Event

Franco-American alliance of 1778

Treaty of alliance and treaty of amity and commerce between France and the United States, signed on 6 February 1778.

6 links, 6 backed by primary records

Connections 6

Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes French foreign minister, who decided in favor of an alliance Primary record 1
Benjamin Franklin signed for the United States Primary record 1
French royal government party to the treaty Primary record 2
United States party to the treaty Primary record 2
British government named as the common enemy Primary record 2

Timeline 1 date

Proof 2 sources

French Alliance, French Assistance, and European Diplomacy during the American Revolution, 1778-1782 (Milestones), U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. Primary record
Vergennes finally decided in favor of an alliance when news of the British surrender at the Battle of Saratoga reached him in December 1777.
On February 6, 1778, Benjamin Franklin and the other two commissioners, Arthur Lee and Silas Deane, signed a Treaty of Alliance and a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with France.
Between 1778 and 1782 the French provided supplies, arms and ammunition, uniforms, and, most importantly, troops and naval support to the beleaguered Continental Army.
Treaty of Alliance Between The United States and France, February 6, 1778, Yale Law School, Avalon Project, 6 Feb 1778. Primary record
If War should break out betwan france and Great Britain, during the continuance of the present War betwan the United States and England, his Majesty and the said united States, shall make it a common cause
The essential and direct End of the present defensive alliance is to maintain effectually the liberty, Sovereignty, and independance absolute and unlimited of the said united States, as well in Matters of Gouvernement as of commerce.
against their common Ennemy

Page history 1 change