Why was Franklin so popular in France?

Why was Franklin so popular in France?

Admired by the French for his experiments with electricity, inventions and for his charming and humble personality, Franklin was a natural choice as ambassador. His goal was to maintain good relationship with the French government to keep their support in the war against Britain.

What was a major achievement of Franklin’s trip to France?

Benjamin Franklin’s diplomatic achievements are centered around three items: first the 1778 alliance with France, which was essential for the military and diplomatic success of the American War of Independence; second, the 1783 peace treaty, which confirmed American Independence.

What was Benjamin Franklin’s mission when traveling to France?

His celebrity status gave him exactly what he needed in Paris, status and open doors to the highest society and government officials. Franklin’s chief mission in France was to secure a financial and military alliance.

What role did Benjamin Franklin play in the French Revolution?

A formal treaty with France followed a year later. In his subsequent years in France, Franklin helped to keep supplies flowing to the United States. He also had to contend with a rival American diplomat, John Adams. Franklin and Adams were able to work together to negotiate the Treaty of Paris, which ended the war.

Why is Ben Franklin sent to France in 1776?

Franklin served from 1776 to 1778 on a commission to France charged with the critical task of gaining French support for American independence. French aristocrats and intellectuals embraced Franklin as the personification of the New World Enlightenment.

Why did the French aid the colonists?

The primary ally for the American colonies was France. At the start of the war, France helped by providing supplies to the Continental Army such as gunpowder, cannons, clothing, and shoes. In 1778, France became an official ally of the United States through the Treaty of Alliance.

Why did Benjamin Franklin ask France for money during the American Revolution?

At the time the world had two superpowers, France and Britain. The French were defeated by the British with the help of the colonies in the Seven-Year War and lost North American territory. The French had already supplied war equipment and funds but Franklin asked for more to defeat Britain.

Who convinced the French to aid the colonies?

Benjamin Franklin
In 1776, the Continental Congress sent diplomats Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee to secure a formal alliance with France. American victory over the British in the Battle of Saratoga convinced the French that the Americans were committed to independence and worthy partners to a formal alliance.

Who went to France during the Revolutionary War?

France Allied with American Colonies. Friends, and in French, amis! On February 6, 1778, Benjamin Franklin was in France signing the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance.

Would America have won independence without France?

It is highly improbable that the United States could have won its independence without the assistance of France, Spain, and Holland. Fearful of losing its sugar colonies in the West Indies, Britain was unable to concentrate its military forces in the American colonies.

What did the French gain from the American Revolution?

Between 1778 and 1782 the French provided supplies, arms and ammunition, uniforms, and, most importantly, troops and naval support to the beleaguered Continental Army. The French navy transported reinforcements, fought off a British fleet, and protected Washington’s forces in Virginia.

Why didn’t France want to join the Revolutionary War?

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.

Why was Temple Franklin put in school to learn French?

Little Benny Bache would be put in school to learn French, and Temple Franklin would act as his grandfather’s unpaid secretary. They were in the best possible hands; Captain Lambert Wickes was one of the few masters seasoned in the merchant fleet who had joined the Continental Navy.

What did Franklin do before the Treaty of Alliance?

Before the Treaty of Alliance was signed Franklin arranged for the translation and publication of the constitutions of the thirteen states and founding documents. He presented them to the French King and ministers.

Who was the US Ambassador to France in 1785?

As Franklin recognized his popularity and the French culture, he won supporters for America and raised vast sums of money on credit from the French. Franklin’s term as ambassador lasted until 1785 and was substituted by Thomas Jefferson.

How did France support the American cause during the Revolutionary War?

France continued to secretly support the Patriot cause with shipments of war supplies, but it was not until the American victory over the British at the Battle of Saratoga in October 1777 that France felt an American victory in the war was possible.