French Involvement Flashcards
Why did France get involved
Revenge from the 7 years war
Capture British possession eg Caribbean
Role of franklin in playing British against French
Involved from the beginning- supplies commanders eg Lafayette
Frances ideology
King Louis against rebellion and republicanism
Treasury almost empty
Had to get approval of Spain
What did GB offer when the French got involved
The repeal of all the offensive acts since 1763 and their own congress
The role of Benjamin franklin in France
Entertained the French with his reputation with women
Negotiation is subtle compared to John Adams who is demanding and rude
How does franklin play the French
Spain refuses to join treaty for fear of their Latin American colonies revelling
Franklin knowing he is being monitored by spies agrees to meet the British
Forces French to negotiate as don’t want British and American alliance
League of armed neutrality
1780 Russia Denmark and Sweden agree to protect neutral rights due to British blockade of America- neutral ships can freely trade at ports of nations at war
Effect on USA of league of armed neutrality
Bolstered the USAs international position further isolating Britain
Treaty of alliance feb 6th 1778
Neither country could seek a separate peace agreement with Britain
Treaty of amity and commerce
Promoted grade and recognised America as an independent nation
Who replaces Howe in February 1778
Henry Clinton
Washington’s problems in 1777-1778: criticism
Question of military ability
Conway cabal
Washington’s problems in 1777-1778: 1780 camp at Morristown
Death and desertion reduced army to 8000 men- 1/3 of whom where not fit for service
Washington’s problems in 1777-1778: French
More occupied with Caribbean
Washington’s problems in 1777-1778: enthusiasm
Initial wave of enthusiasm had gone
Washington’s problems in 1777-1778: traitor
1780 Benedict Arnold plotted to turn over fortress of West Point to British- symbolised the crumbling of the American ideal
