French
France had secretly been supporting the colonies in the war against Britain since 1776. By the spring of 1778, France finally signed the treaty with the colonies to become their allies in the war and recognized them as an independent nation. The French had decided to back the colonies because they were still angry at Britain over the loss of Colonial territory in the French and Indian War. France aided the colonists by providing military equipment and loans. After the Battle of Saratoga, France’s support increased as they finally recognized them as committed to independence and a forma alliance. The colonist may have eventually lost the war, but finally the French alliance gave the Americans courage and they then became a real threat to the British army, which helped tip the scaled in Americas favor.
- 12,000 French soldiers and 32,000 French sailors support the Colonist
- 7,000 French solider and sailors were killed during the war