July 4th just passed and July 14th, our French national day, is coming up!
So I decided to join these 2 lands that are mine through ideas of freedom and revolution! No US without France, no France without the US. Just like in a passionate couple!
Now I want to tell you a little more about this passionate relationship…
Vous êtes prêt?
France played a major role in the American Revolutionary War!
Why was France so keen on helping the US? Was it a decision made out of pure love? Well, for sure the French loved and respected this new idea of freedom which so wonderfully matched la philosophie des lumières of the 18th century. But that was not the only thing…
Revenge!!!!
Revenge against who? Revenge against… the British. Throughout History France and Britain have not been best friends!
Before the beginning of the American revolution, there was yet another war involving France & Britain. They were obviously not on the same side.
Who won? Britain!
Implications for France? Un désastre!
Hence, le besoin de revanche = the need for revenge!
So, France:
-Recognized the US as a sovereign nation
-Signed a military alliance
-Fought Britain
-Made sure they wouldn’t find any allies in Europe
-Gave money, arms, soldiers, and even a navy to help Americans, and of course, to defeat Britain!
A perfect representation of this French American friendship is Lafayette & Washington’s friendship!
What did France get out of this? Nothing! Actually that’s not true! France got a huge financial crisis that soon lead to the French Revolution, starting 6 years after the American one ended. Oops.
Come Celebrate Bastille Day with me and Marie-Antoinette!
in 3 easy steps