The French Alliance

What happened

Persuaded by the American victory at Saratoga, France signed a Treaty of Alliance and a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United States on 6 February 1778, negotiated in part by Benjamin Franklin. France recognized American independence and pledged not to make a separate peace with Britain.

Why it matters

French money, troops, and above all naval power transformed the war and proved decisive in the campaign that ended it.

Sources

• Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State. French Alliance, French Assistance, and European Diplomacy during the American Revolution, 1778–1782 · Reputable source