Signing of the treaty with France
(Source: Library of Congress)
After the Battle of
Saratoga, Congress decided to seek French support in the
war. They sent Benjamin Franklin, who could speak French,
to meet with King Louis XVI and the French foreign
minister.
France wanted to get revenge on Britain for
the defeat in the French and Indian War. They also wanted
to ensure that Britain and America don't resolve their
differences. In February 1778, France and America signed
a treaty which put France at war with Britain. This
treaty was the first document to officially recognize
America as an independent state.
Spain, an ally of France, joined the alliance
a year later.
Britain was now forced to defend its own territory of
England against possible French and Spanish attacks.
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