b) John Jay

John Jay, as the American diplomatic envoy to Spain during the Revolution, played a crucial role in securing Spanish support. Although Spain did not formally ally with the Americans, Jay’s diplomacy resulted in crucial financial aid and access to Spanish ports for American ships. His efforts in Spain were part of a broader diplomatic strategy to gain European support for the American cause. Jay’s negotiations highlight the importance of international diplomacy in the Revolutionary War and underscore the significant contributions of the founding fathers beyond the battlefield.