French and Spanish entry into the war

Question 1

What were the three reasons that France and Spain’s entry into the war was significant?

Answer 1

1) until 1778, 65% of British army was in North America - but this dropped to 20% in 1780 bc they needed the troops back in Britain for possible invasion (- shows other priorities)
2) The intervention of the French Fleet at Chesapeake Bay contributed to the defeat of the British at Yorktown although the French only had 10,000 soldiers
3) By 1781: Spanish forces have cleared the British Forces from the Mississippi Valley

Question 2

Why was the French-Spanish intervention of great significance?

Answer 2

Britain decided to up their defence in Britain, protect their interests in the West Indies and increase presence in India