In a scene from the 2005 film adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s classic work, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, two characters surveyed the large numbers of advancing enemy forces. “Numbers do not win a battle,” remarked one optimistically. “No, but I bet they help,” the other ruefully replied.
One can imagine a similar conversation occurring between American soldiers in 1776—outmanned and outgunned as they faced down the mighty British empire. Declaring independence from Britain had not come cheaply, and with resources dwindling steadily, the colonists were soon forced to search frantically for assistance. Three American diplomats—Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee—were sent to Paris to negotiate an alliance with Britain’s rival, France. Support was an intriguing but risky proposition for the French, who had been soundly beaten by the British and pushed out of North America just thirteen years prior. While the American diplomatic mission was able to convince France to supply some clandestine assistance, the French remained dubious of providing overt support until they could be sure this revolution actually had a chance of success.
That confirmation came in late 1777 with the American victory at Saratoga. Upon hearing the news, the French moved quickly to recognize the new United States of America and formalize an alliance. On February 6, 1778, the Treaty of Alliance with France was signed to cement the new French-American alliance, which formalized France’s financial and military support and committed both nations to fighting until American independence was secured. Over the next few years, France would prove an invaluable ally, particularly in the decisive Battle of Yorktown which effectively won the Revolutionary War.
The alliance with France was made possible by grit, bravery, and the American spirit. A spirit bold enough to take on the mighty British for the cause of liberty—and determined and savvy enough to secure the assistance of a critical ally. And ever since, we’ve been known as the land of the free and the home of the brave.
