European Involvement in the American Revolution

France
Soon after the Battle of Saratoga, France agreed to openly support American
independence. In February 1778, France officially formed an alliance with the United
States. An alliance is a formal agreement between two countries to work together
toward a common goal.
France was eager to weaken Britain. This was because France were humiliated by their
defeat in the French and Indian War and wanted to restore their pride. They also
believed an American victory would open the Americans up to the import of French sugar
and rum.
Even before the Battle of Saratoga, the French had secretly supplied money and arms to
the Americans. But the French did not want to take an open stand until it seemed the
Americans might win. The Battle of Saratoga convinced the French government to help
the struggling young nation. In February 1778, France became the first nation to sign a
treaty with the United States.
France and its allies in the Netherlands and Spain also went to war with Britain. By
carrying the fight to Europe and the Caribbean, the allies forced Britain to wage war on
many continents. This helped the American cause, because the British could spare fewer
troops to fight in North America.
During the Revolution, France sent an estimated 12,000 soldiers and 32,000 sailors to
the American war effort. The most famous French volunteer was Marquis de Lafayette.
He came a high-ranking office in Washingtons army and they became good friends.
When Lafayette was wounded in battle, Washington told a surgeon, Treat him as though
he were my son.

Spain
The American got unofficial help from Spain. Similar to France, Spain became involved in
the American Revolution as mean to fight British power and regain some of their pride
after the French and Indian War. Spain realized that their power was declining in North
America. They thought that an American victory might reverse that trend. In particular,
Spain wanted to get Florida back, which they had lost during the French and Indian War.
Even before Spain declared war against Britain in 1779, Louisiana governor Bernardo de
Galvez began helping the Americans. Spanish help did not consist of sending Spanish
troops to fight alongside the Americans, though. Instead, they sent large loans, huge
contributions of money, and war material. The money made it possible for Americans to
bring in foreign military officers to fight for them. Spain also gave American ships safe
refuge in New Orleans harbor.

Germany
Unlike France and Spain, German involvement in the American Revolution fell on the side
of the British. Germany and Britain had a long-standing alliance because of similarities

in religion and from being allies during the French and Indian War. In past wars, Britain
had successfully used German mercenaries. Mercenaries are soldiers who are paid to
fight for a country other than their own. Britain also used mercenaries in the American
Revolution. About 30,000 tough, highly trained German soldiers (often called Hessians)
were paid to fight for the British, who couldnt raise enough troops at home.
Some Germans, however, helped the Continental Army. A German baron, Friedrich von
Steuben, helped train the Continental army. Steuben had served in the Germany army,
and was considered the best in Europe. Before Steuben arrived in early 1778, American
troops were often poorly trained and undisciplined. Steuben taught soldiers how to
march, how to improve their aim, and how to attack with bayonets. His methods helped
to transform raw recruits into soldiers and shaped the Continental army into a more
effective force.