France Entered the War — The Alliance After Saratoga (1778)
After the American victory at Saratoga in 1777, France joined the American side. It was the result of two years of diplomacy by Benjamin Franklin in Paris.
The Old Man in Paris
From 1775, Benjamin Franklin was in Paris. His mission: bring France into the American war.
France hated Britain. The memory of losing Canada in the Seven Years' War was fresh. They wanted revenge.
But France was cautious. They needed to know America could actually win.
Saratoga Provided the Answer
In October 1777, British General Burgoyne surrendered to American forces at Saratoga. Six thousand British regulars became prisoners of war.
When the news reached Paris, King Louis XVI made his decision.
On February 6, 1778, France and the United States signed two treaties — a Treaty of Amity and Commerce, and a Treaty of Alliance.
The Nature of the War Changed
With France's entry, what Britain saw as a colonial rebellion became a world war. Spain joined in 1779.
France sent troops, a naval fleet, and money. The Continental Army gained trained allies.
Yorktown
October 1781. Yorktown. The French fleet blocked the British navy. Washington and French General Rochambeau besieged by land.
British General Cornwallis surrendered. It was the final act of the Revolutionary War.
The alliance Franklin negotiated in Paris ended the war.
Treaty signed: February 6, 1778 | Key figure: Benjamin Franklin | Decisive moment: Battle of Saratoga (October 1777)
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