
The Franco-American Alliance 1778
In Our Time
France's Paradoxical Outcome in the American Revolution
- France played a crucial role in the American victory in the Revolutionary War by preventing the British from reinforcing their troops at Yorktown.
- However, despite being a victorious ally, France gained very little from the American Revolution except for a large budget deficit and the satisfaction of having weaken Britain which was their main goal.
- Britain granted the Americans generous terms in the Peace of Paris of 1783, giving them extensive territory at France's expense.
- Paradoxically, Britain's defeat in 1783 resulted in a more advantageous peace settlement for them compared to the peace of 1763 which came after a victory.
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