The Franco-American Treaties of 1778

France had lost territory in North America after the Seven Years' War, and its ministers saw the American revolt as an opportunity to weaken Britain. The Americans sought money, weapons, and recognition from European governments. [2]

Foreign Minister Vergennes alternated between support and hesitation as news of American victories and defeats reached Paris, and he consulted Spain about the risks of war. [2]

France had been sending covert aid to the American rebellion when its representatives met Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee in Paris on 6 February 1778. They signed two treaties: one recognized the United States and established trade; the other promised an alliance against Britain. [3] [2]

News of the British surrender at Saratoga had helped persuade Foreign Minister Vergennes to commit openly to a struggle that offered France a chance to weaken Britain. The alliance bound France to securing American independence and barred either government from making a separate peace without the other’s consent. [3] [2]

French money and supplies were followed by troops and naval forces. At Yorktown in 1781, French soldiers fought alongside the Americans while a French fleet blocked British relief by sea, providing forces the Americans could not have supplied themselves. The British surrendered. [2]

Related Diplomats

1. Benjamin Franklin [1]
2. Conrad-Alexandre Gérard [4]

Related Reading

• France and the United States