Covert French aid began filtering into the colonies soon after the outbreak of hostilities in 1775, but it was not until the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in October 1777 that the French became convinced that the Americans were worth backing in a formal treaty.

Signing and aftermath On February 6, 1778, Benjamin Franklin and the two other commissioners, Arthur Lee and Silas Deane, signed the treaty on behalf of the United States, and Conrad Alexandre Gérard signed on behalf of France.

Benjamin Franklin

The primary ally for the American colonies was France. At the start of the war, France helped by providing supplies to the Continental Army such as gunpowder, cannons, clothing, and shoes. In 1778, France became an official ally of the United States through the Treaty of Alliance.

1778

France bitterly resented its loss in the Seven Years’ War and sought revenge. It also wanted to strategically weaken Britain. Following the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution was well received by both the general population and the aristocracy in France.

France provided the money, troops, armament, military leadership, and naval support that tipped the balance of military power in favor of the United States and paved the way for the Continental Army’s ultimate victory, which was sealed at Yorktown, VA, five years after Franklin embarked on his mission.

The Treaty of Amity and Commerce recognized the United States as an independent nation and promoted trade between France and the United States. The Treaty of Alliance created a military alliance against Great Britain, stipulating American independence as a condition of peace.

A treaty between America and England The US agreed to limit trade with France–Britain’s enemy and to pay British citizens what they owed them. England agreed to abandon their forts in the Northwest and to pay the US for the ship that were seized and to open some ports in the British West Indies to American trade.

Review for Unit 3 Test

What advantages helped the Americans win the Revolutionary War? Advantages the helped the Americans win the Revolutionary War include: better leadership, foreign aid, knowledge of the land, and motivation.

Britain’s military was the best in the world. Their soldiers were well equipped, well disciplined, well paid, and well fed. The British navy dominated the seas. Funds were much more easily raised by the Empire than by the Continental Congress.

In August, the Patriots and British fought at the Battle of Long Island. George Washington and the Continental Army suffered their first serious defeat and retreated….