extension of war

Question 1

the french alliance

Answer 1

americans realised the importance of france’s help, even if its catholic and absolutist system of government made them less of a natural ally

france realised that the war offered an opportunity to avenge the humiliating outcome of the 7 years war. would provide america with money, despite louis xvi’s depleted treasury, and to encourage the army to supply arms and gunpowder, along with officers such as lafayette

however, louis xvi withheld formal recognition of american independence while the outcome of war was in doubt

6th february 1778 - france and america sign 2 treaties
- treaty of amity and commerce - france had a favoured trading status with america
- treaty of alliance - agreed not to make peace separately

franklin sent to paris in1776 to get french support. good choice since he was a strong diplomat

saratoga ended french fears of an american collapse. by prompting north to make fresh concessions, it allowed franklin to play on french fears of a possible anglo american reconciliation.

Question 2

spain and the netherlands

Answer 2

april 1779 - spain entered the war against britain, as an ally against france, not america. joined war to regain possessions lost to britain - florida, minorca, jamaica and gibraltar

1780 - britain declared war on the netherlands which was aiding france and spain over secret dutch trade and negotiations with the american colonies, then in revolt against england.

Question 3

the league of armed neutrality

Answer 3

formed by russia, sweden and denmark in 1780

its aim was the protection of neutral rights, given britain’s blockade of america

prussia, portugal and austria joined in 1781

bolstered usa’s international position

Question 4

results of french and spanish intervention

Answer 4

french intervention promoted a strong feeling of domestic support in britain

france’s army was 150,000 strong and ahd tried to construct a fleet capable of challenging british naval supremacy

british forces had to defend gibraltar, minorca and possesions in india, the west indies and africa, considered by many british people as more vital to britain’s prosperity than america

french intervention prodcued a national war effort in britain that american rebellion had nit aroused. 1782- britain had an army of 150,000 troops, while the navy had 100,000 sailors and more than 600 ships

1778 - 65% of british army was in americ, only 29% there in mid 1780. 41% of british ships in american waters, only 13% in mid 1780

america’s allies were more concerned with promoting their own interests than aiding america

france sent fewer than 10,000 troops to america