Essential Question

1. Essential Question • What were the motivations & contributions of the European nations/individuals who decided to aid the American Revolution?

2. Help from Abroad Ch 7 Sec 2 Pt I

3. France Enters the War • The French were still upset over their loss in the F&I War • They hoped to weaken the British by helping the colonists gain independence • In 1776, they began giving secret aid to the colonists • France could not afford to give aid openly until the colonists proved they could win the war • This proof came after the Continental Army destroyed Burgoyne’s force at Saratoga

4. Recognition & Alliance • After Saratoga, King Louis XVI publicly recognized the U.S. as a free nation • In 1778, France signed two treaties of alliance with the U.S. • The first treaty was a military alliance against Britain • The second treaty gave France “favored nation” status with the U.S. in terms of trade

5. Summary/Quiz Question • After the victory at Saratoga, what did King Louis XVI decide to do? • Recognize U.S. independence, and sign two treaties of alliance • Give secret aid to the U.S. • Send the Marquis de Lafayette to aid the U.S. • Convince Baron von Steuben to train the Continental Army

6. Further Aid • This was France’s “official” declaration of war against Britain • As part of their alliance agreement, France agreed to send the Americans: • $ • Supplies • Troops & Navy

7. Spain Enters • In 1779, France convinced its ally Spain to help the Americans • The Spanish Governor of LA, Gen. Bernardo de Galvez acted quickly • He captured British forts all throughout the southwest, which prevented attacks from that region • The British were now fighting in the colonies, Spanish territory in the SW, and French territory in the W. Indies

8. Foreign Officers • In addition to the aid received from foreign nations, the Continental Army was bolstered by the expertise of several European individuals • European officers from France, Germany, & Poland greatly aided the Americans: • Marquis de Lafayette, a 19-year old French aristocrat, came as a volunteer • Brought his own, personally-trained, fighting force • He became close friends w/ GW

9. Foreign Officers • Baron von Steuben, a German officer & drill seargent, later transformed the CA into a skilled fighting force • Two Polish officers, Casimir Pulaski who trained the U.S. cavalry & Tadeusz Kosciuszko a brilliant military engineer who helped build various U.S. fortifications