On September 27, 1779, the Continental Congress appointed John Adams as minister plenipotentiary to negotiate peace and commerce treaties with Britain during the Revolutionary War. Adams traveled to Europe, where he clashed with both the French government and fellow diplomat Benjamin Franklin. After a difficult journey, he played a key role in peace negotiations that led to the Treaty of Paris (1783), helping secure favorable terms for America. Though Adams faced challenges, his efforts helped shape the emerging nation’s foreign policy.
