The Motivation Behind Frances Involvement in the American Revolution

Frances involvement in the American Revolution was not driven by a sudden interest in democracy and freedom. Instead, it was primarily a matter of revanche. The British had previously dismantled Frances overseas empire during the Seven Years War, also known as the French and Indian War. When Benjamin Franklin arrived in France, King Louis XVI and other leading nobles at Versaille had already been discussing how to retaliate against the British. The King even hired Pierre Beaumarchais to supply America with weapons, acting craftily like his playwright character Figaro to ensure plausible deniability.

Strategic and Diplomatic Maneuvers

Beaumarchais set up several dummy corporations to procure and transport weapons to America. One corporation purchased weapons from the French army, another stored them in warehouses, and a third hired ships to transport the weapons across the Atlantic. Any seized shipments could easily be denied, as they would claim to be working for private French corporations. However, despite these efforts, Beaumarchais did not establish a repayment system for these deliveries, a fact that would have significant implications later.

The Turning Point at Saratoga

The pivotal moment that convinced the French to publicly engage in the war was the defeat of the British at Saratoga in October 1777. General Burgoyne's surrender demonstrated that the American forces could successfully compete against the British, and the enthusiasm for war in France increased. Benjamin Franklin played a crucial role in this, as he presented the alliance treaty to King Louis XVI and the miniature statue of this transaction demonstrated the King's commitment.

The French Strategy

While the French did not plan for a direct invasion of Britain, their strategy was to act as a constant threat to the British mainland. By repeatedly raiding British coastal towns, John Paul Jones ensured that the British navy was constantly on alert. This strategy not only kept the British on their toes but also prevented them from sending more troops to America out of fear of an imminent invasion.

Factual Agreement and Post-War Relations

Upon the war's conclusion, the United States conducted a separate peace treaty with Britain, satisfying French interests. Benjamin Franklin assured King Louis XVI and Vergennes that the treaty did not undermine French interests, and Vergennes was pleased that the American representative had kept his word. The peace treaty not only ended the conflict with Britain but also solidified Frances association with the newly formed United States.

In conclusion, Frances involvement in the American Revolution was a complex mix of strategic and ethical motivations, driven primarily by the desire for revenge and retaliation. The actions of individuals like Beaumarchais and Franklin ensured that Frances played a pivotal role in the outcome of the war, ultimately leading to a stronger alliance between the two nations.

Key Points Summary

Frances involvement was primarily driven by a desire for revenge after the Seven Years War. Benjamin Franklin’s diplomatic efforts and the victory at Saratoga were key in securing French support. The French strategy included constant coastal raids to keep Britain preoccupied. The peace treaty with Britain satisfied French interests and solidified their alliance.