The Dynamics Between Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson: A Historical Analysis

During the American Revolution, Benjamin Franklin was recognized as one of the most senior and influential of the founding fathers. By 1775, he had already developed a comprehensive strategy for initiating and concluding the revolution. This strategy included overseeing the financing of the revolution through his extensive network in London, Paris, and Amsterdam. As a result, Franklin did not appreciate John Adams' active interference in these delicate transactions. Adams, known for his eagerness and lack of discretion, might have inadvertently revealed crucial information, which Franklin sought to protect. Consequently, Franklin's only option was to deliberately obfuscate his actions and exhibit behaviors that would embarrass Adams in public.

Benjamin Franklin and John Adams: A Complex Relationship

During the early phases of the American Revolution, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams shared a close working relationship. However, as the conflict wore on, tensions began to emerge. Franklin’s plan to finance the revolution through strategic contacts in Europe required meticulous handling and confidentiality. Adams, as the State Department's Commissioner, was seen as a busybody who occasionally interfered with Franklin’s operations. Adams was known for his relentless dedication to the cause and his often strident personality, which sometimes clashed with Franklin’s more nuanced approach.

The Eisenhower Foundation's Memo

According to historical accounts, once Adams was dispatched to replace the recalled Silas Deane in Paris, Franklin employed a stratagem involving feigning senility/dementia in public settings. This approach was designed to intentionally embarrass and undermine Adams, whose reserved and naive demeanor might have made him an easy target. Such behavior was not uncommon in eighteenth-century diplomatic circles and was used as a political tool to assert dominance and influence.

Franklin's Strategy

Franklin's strategy extended beyond mere embarrassment of Adams. He aimed to deliberately obscure and complicate the transactions involving the American cause in Europe. By exhibiting outlandish behavior in the parliaments of Paris, Franklin sought to create a facade of instability and indecision. This approach was intended to throw off his European counterparts, preventing them from grasping the full extent of his plans and efforts.

Franklin's Skepticism of Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was also a key figure in the revolutionary efforts, yet Franklin harbored a different perspective. Franklin famously described Jefferson as all hat and no cattle. This phrase, popularized by Molly Ivins, encapsulates Franklin's view of Jefferson as being overly grandiose and lacking in substance. Franklin’s assessment hints at the disconnect between Jefferson’s public image and his actual contributions during the revolution.

Historical Context and Legacy

It is only with the passage of time that Adams truly appreciated the sagacity and foresight of Franklin's actions. The intricate power dynamics and strategic maneuvers undertaken by Franklin during this critical period of American history demonstrate the importance of tact and diplomacy in achieving national objectives. The relationship between the three founding fathers was marked by both cooperation and friction, reflecting the complex nature of the early American nation-building efforts.

Conclusion

The relationships between Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson were shaped by the pressures and challenges of the American Revolution. Franklin's strategic use of feigned senility, the assertion of influence through public embarrassment, and his skepticism of Jefferson's abilities collectively illustrate a nuanced and multifaceted historical narrative. These actions not only impacted the immediate goals of the revolution but also left lasting impressions on the future development of the nation.