French involvement in the American Revolutionary War BEGAN in 1775, when France, a rival of the British Empire, secretly shipped supplies to the Continental Army. A Treaty of ALLIANCE in 1778 soon followed, which led to shipments of money and matérielto the United States. Subsequently, the Spanish Empire and the Dutch Republic also began to send assistance, leaving the British Empire with no allies.

France's help is considered a vital and decisive contribution to the United States' victory against the British. As a cost of participation in the war, France ACCUMULATED over 1 billion livres in debt.

France BITTERLY resented its loss in the Seven Years' War and sought revenge. It also wanted to strategically weaken Britain. Following the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution was well received by both the general population and the aristocracy in France. The Revolution was perceived as the incarnation of the Enlightenment Spiritagainst the "English tyranny." Benjamin Franklin TRAVELED to France in December 1776 in order to rally the nation's support, and he was welcomed with great enthusiasm.