Essay: The American Revolution

The American Revolution began in 1775 when the American Patriots in Thirteen Colonies revolted against Great Britain rule and in hopes to gained their independence and become the United States. The people belonging to the American colonial societies were outraged with the way the British Parliament was taxing them. The colonies argued that it was unjust for them to be taxed without being properly represented. They began to protest British control and demand that they be equally represented just as the British would be. Colonial resistance quickly escalated when British forces fired upon colonists, killing five people, leading to what is known by many as the Boston Massacre. Revolting against British leadership, civilians dressed up as Indians, boarded British ships, and dumped hundreds of chests of tea into the Boston Harbor. This event known as the Boston Tea party caused Parliament to pass the Intolerable Acts to demonstrate the power they had over the colonies.
As the official diplomat and ambassador of the thirteen colonies, Benjamin Franklin was chosen by the Continental Congress to be sent abroad to France. In sailing to France, he had a main goal in mind which was to become allies with France and have them help the Thirteen Colonies gain independence from Great Britain and its forces. On October 26, 1776, Benjamin Franklin began his voyage. Upon his arrival Franklin was accepted into Paris with a huge welcome and he quickly became a member of high society. He was viewed as being a man of intelligence, maturity, and great ability. He was a very distinct man in France and believed to have been extraordinary. He knew much in regards to the realms of science and literature. In regards to philosophy, he was one of the smartest men in France, and no one could equal him philosophically.
Although the people of France adored Benjamin Franklin, his diplomatic efforts were slow in coming. Franklin began to form relationships with political officials in France in hope that they would be willing to form an alliance.The French knew that they would be open to continue helping the colonies with their efforts, as they were already supplying them with  military supplies since the outbreak of the revolution. France was hesitant to sign an alliance with the Thirteen colonies until they were able to guarantee their victory over the British. France was known for being a very successful country but in regards to the history between France and Great Britain, the French had been known for being defeated by the British during the Seven Years War and loosing an immense amount of territory. The British and French continued to battle for power, and therefore, the French government saw an opportunity when the colonies were seeking help to separate from the British.
The American Victory over British forces at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 was a huge testament to the French as they began to believe that an American victory in war was possible. This turning point allowed France to feel comfortable in officially aiding the colonies. Benjamin Franklin along with representatives of the colonies gathered with the French to officially declare an alliance known as Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance on February 6, 1778.
The Treaty of Amity and Commerce allowed the United States to operate as an independent nation. This treaty encouraged trade between France and the United States and France recognized the colonies as an independent nation. From 1778 till 1782, the French would aid the United States and supply them with troops, uniforms, weapons and ammunition, as well as any other supplies that were needed during the war effort. Many of the reinforcements came from the French Navy who fought against the British Navy troops to protect them from attacking the United States on land. The French Navy was also an essential asset in protecting Washington and his efforts. In 1781, with much help from the French, the British finally surrendered to the United States at Yorktown. The Treaty of Alliance stated that both the colonies and France would be forbidden from creating a separate peace agreement with the British.However, the people of France would be able to conquer the British West Indies.This treaty also included a secret clause which stated that Spain, or other European powers, were allowed to enter into the alliance.  On June 21, 1779 Spain officially entered the war. In 1783 Treaty of Paris was created which discussed the end of the Revolutionary War. The Franco-American alliance remained in effect until 1793 when the British and French entered war once again and the United States chose to remain neutral. The alliance was formally ended in 1800.
Under British rule, the Thirteen Colonies struggled in gaining their independence. The British were increasing their tax revenue infuriating the thirteen colonies. During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress was created and appointed Benjamin Franklin as the ambassador in hopes to create a relationship with France so that they would sign an alliance with them and help them divide from Britain’s rule. With Frances’s help, the colonies were able to successfully get British to surrender through a series of Treaties and alliances.