France Enters the War

France played a significant role in the American victory for independence from Britain. The American colonies Declaration of Independence was well received by the French people. Benjamin Franklin was dispatched to France in December, 1776, to gain French support, and was welcomed with great enthusiasm. Many Frenchmen went to America as volunteers for the war effort, including Pierre Charles L'Enfant and Marquis de Lafayette, who enlisted in 1776.

Initially there was considerable debate within France about openly supporting the colonies. There were concerns of the French Navy being insufficient and unprepared for such a war, and concerns over the economy being put even further debt. So, French involvement was somewhat behind the scenes. France still helped the Americans in many ways. They helped American frigates commit piracy against British merchant ships. They provided economic aid to fund the war effort. They also provided military experts to help with training American troops and improving battle strategy.

France officially entered the war on February 6, 1778. At that point in time, French involvement was primarily at sea, in battles with the British fleet. However, France's role became decisive in 1780, when 6,000 soldiers of Rochambeau were sent to America. In the Battle of Yorktown, October 17, 1781, British General Cornwallis was trapped between American and French forces on land and the French fleet on the sea. Cornwallis formally surrendered on October 19

The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783, with ratified documents exchanged in Paris on May 12, 1784. The Treaty of Paris formally ended the American Revolution.

However, the example of the American Revolution was one of the many contributing factors to the later French Revolution. Check out these videos to learn more about the France's contribution to the American Revolution.

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France Enters the War - Video

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