feb 6, 1778 - French Treaty of
Amity and Commerce
Description:
An alliance between France and the US, with the former agreeing to assist the latter in their fight for independence from Great Britain. France was originally neutral in the conflict. On the one hand, they still resented the British for their recent defeat in the Seven Years' War, and were eger to enact their revenge. Howeever, that same war left them broke, leaving them cautious to engage in another war with the country that they were not sure they could win. The Battle of Saratoga in 1777 tipped the scales in the US' favor, proving to the French that the fledgling nation had a chance at winning. Negotiations were opened between the two countries, with the US using their Model Treaty to draft an agreement. The nations signed two treaties in tandem: the Treaty of Alliance, in which they agreed to defend each other from British aggressions, and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, which was a commercial alliance. The French provided much-needed support to the Americas, helping them to win the War of Independence. It was ratified by the US on May 4, and by France on July 16.
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