List of ambassadors of the United States to France facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Ambassador of the United States of America to France Ambassadeur des États-Unis en France
Seal of the United States Department of State
Incumbent Denise Bauer since February 5, 2022
Residence	Hôtel de Pontalba
Nominator	The President of the United States
Appointer	The President with Senate advice and consent
Inaugural holder	Benjamin Franklin as Envoy
Formation	1778
Website	U.S. Embassy – Paris

The United States Ambassador to France is a very important person. They are the official representative of the President of the United States in France. Their main job is to help keep a good relationship between the two countries.

The United States and France have been friends for a long time. They started working together during the American Revolution in 1778. At first, the US sent "Ministers" to France. Later, in 1893, the relationship became even more important. That's when the US started sending "Ambassadors." Since 2006, the ambassador to France also represents the US in Monaco.

What Does an Ambassador Do?
A Look Back: US Representatives to France
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What Does an Ambassador Do?

An ambassador is like a chief diplomat. They lead the US Embassy in France. The embassy is like a small piece of American land in France. It helps American citizens and works with the French government.

Building Relationships

A big part of the ambassador's job is to build strong relationships. They meet with French leaders, business people, and regular citizens. This helps both countries understand each other better.

Representing the US

The ambassador speaks for the US President and government. They explain American policies and views to the French. They also report back to the US about what's happening in France.

Helping Americans

The embassy, led by the ambassador, helps Americans in France. This includes things like renewing passports or helping if someone gets into trouble.

A Look Back: US Representatives to France

The relationship between the US and France has a long history. It started even before the US became a fully independent nation.

Early Days: Ministers to the King (1778–1792)

When the United States was new, it sent "Ministers" to France. These were important diplomats, but not yet called "Ambassadors." The first US representative to France was Benjamin Franklin. He was a famous inventor and statesman. He helped get France's support during the American Revolution.

Benjamin Franklin (1778–1785)
Thomas Jefferson (1785–1789)
William Short (1790–1792)
Gouverneur Morris (1792–1794)

Through Changes: Ministers to the Republics and Empires (1792–1893)

France went through many changes after its own revolution. It had republics, empires, and monarchies. The US continued to send ministers to represent its interests.

One tricky time was during the XYZ Affair in 1797. French officials asked for a bribe before they would talk to US diplomats. This caused a lot of anger and led to a short, undeclared naval war called the Quasi-War. Luckily, relations improved later.

James Monroe (1794–1796)
Robert R. Livingston (1801–1804)
John Armstrong, Jr. (1804–1810)
Joel Barlow (1811–1812)
William H. Crawford (1813–1815)
Albert Gallatin (1815–1823)
James Brown (1823–1829)
William Cabell Rives (1829–1832, 1849–1853)
Edward Livingston (1833–1835)
Lewis Cass (1836–1842)
William R. King (1844–1846)
Richard Rush (1847–1849)
John Y. Mason (1853–1859)
Charles J. Faulkner (1860–1861)
William L. Dayton (1861–1864)
John Bigelow (1865–1866)
John Adams Dix (1866–1869)
Elihu B. Washburne (1869–1877)
Edward Follansbee Noyes (1877–1881)
Levi P. Morton (1881–1885)
Robert Milligan McLane (1885–1889)
Whitelaw Reid (1889–1892)
T. Jefferson Coolidge (1892–1893)

Modern Era: Ambassadors to France (1893–Present)

In 1893, the US and France officially started exchanging "Ambassadors." This showed how important their relationship had become. Since then, many notable people have served in this role.