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Why did France join the war on the side of the colonists?

Why did France join the war on the side of the colonists?

American colonists hoped for possible French aid in their struggle against British forces. As the French and the British continued to vie for power in the 1770s, French officials saw an opportunity in the rebellion of Britain’s North American colonies to take advantage of British troubles.

What convinced the French to join the war?

American victory over the British in the Battle of Saratoga convinced the French that the Americans were committed to independence and worthy partners to a formal alliance. Over the course of the war, France contributed an estimated 12,000 soldiers and 32,000 sailors to the American war effort.

Which Battle convinced the French to come into the war on the American side?

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.

How did the French and Indian war lead to the American Revolution?

The French and Indian War began in 1754 and ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The war provided Great Britain enormous territorial gains in North America, but disputes over subsequent frontier policy and paying the war’s expenses led to colonial discontent, and ultimately to the American Revolution.

What was France’s involvement in the Revolutionary War quizlet?

France provided aid from the beginning of the war and signed a formal alliance with the Continental army but did not think the colonists could win. C. France did not think the colonists could win, but after victories by the Continental army, France provided aid and signed a formal alliance.

How did the Battle of Saratoga change the American Revolution?

The American victory over British Gen. John Burgoyne’s army in the 1777 Battle of Saratoga marked a turning point in the Revolution. Pictured here is Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater, New York. American Battlefield Trust The stunning success at Saratoga gave Franklin what he had been pleading for – explicit French support in the war.

How did France help in the American Revolution?

As England’s American colonies became ever more rebellious in the 1760s and 1770s, France was naturally predisposed to favor the American revolutionaries and saw an opportunity to try to blunt the power of its longtime adversary. It began providing covert support – beginning with badly needed gunpowder – in the spring of 1776.

Who was the French admiral who helped Washington and Rochambeau?

Washington and Rochambeau had requested and received the assistance of the French fleet in the West Indies commanded by Admiral François Joseph Paul de Grasse, who was sailing to Virginia. If de Grasse could wrest control of the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay from the British fleet protecting Cornwallis, the British army would be surrounded.

What was the turning point in the American Revolution?

The American victory over British Gen. John Burgoyne’s army in the 1777 Battle of Saratoga marked a turning point in the Revolution. Pictured here is Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater, New York.