Franco-American alliance facts for kids
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Right image: Flag of the United States from 1777 to 1795.
The Franco-American alliance was a special agreement made in 1778. It was a partnership between the Kingdom of France and the United States. This alliance happened during the American Revolutionary War.
France and the United States signed a formal agreement called the Treaty of Alliance. This treaty was a military pact. It meant that France would help the Americans fight against Britain. France sent many important supplies to the Americans.
Later, the Netherlands and Spain also joined France as allies. This meant Britain had no other European countries helping them in the war.
Why the Alliance Started
The alliance became possible after a big American victory. In October 1777, American forces captured a large British army. This happened at Saratoga. This victory showed France that the Americans could really win their independence. It proved that helping the Americans was a good idea.
End of the Alliance
The alliance became difficult after 1793. At that time, Britain and Revolutionary France started fighting each other again. The United States decided to stay neutral. This meant they would not pick a side.
Relations between France and the United States got worse. The U.S. became friendlier with Britain after signing the Jay Treaty in 1795. This led to a period called the Quasi War. It was an undeclared naval conflict.
The alliance was mostly over by 1794. It officially ended in 1800 with the Convention of 1800.
Images for kids
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Surrender of General Burgoyne by John Trumbull (1821) shows General Daniel Morgan in front of a French de Vallière 4-pounder
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Benjamin Franklin's reception at the Court of France in 1778
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French Navy ships of the line in the Battle of the Chesapeake, 1781.
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Surrender of Cornwallis to French troops (left) and American troops (right), at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.
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Landing of a French auxiliary army in Newport, Rhode Island on July 11, 1780, under the command of Comte de Rochambeau.
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Treaty of Paris, by Benjamin West (1783), portrays the American delegation at the 1783 Treaty of Paris. The British delegation refused to pose, and the painting was never completed.
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Naval encounter during the Quasi-War between USS Constellation and French ship L'Insurgente on 9 February 1799.
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Orvilliers
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Latouche Tréville
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