Following the Seven Years’ War, France lost its political standing in Europe, as its independence, security, and power were threatened daily. The idea of an American victory over the British greatly appealed the French, as it proffered an invaluable chance to the French to regain their status and to weaken England in one blow. Yet the French did not wish to support a mercurial and unstable cause, and the Americans did not desire a loss of their unique neutrality, and on these terms the French set out to assist the Americans politically, economically, and in war.
As early as 1775 with the establishment of the Hortalez Company France began to covertly supply necessities to the Americans, such as artillery, arms, ammunition, linens, clothes, and even gold. Such supplies enabled the Americans to survive throughout the campaigns of 1776, and without them the revolution surely would have failed, as the Continental Congress failed in supplying its own army with sufficient pay or supplies. Furthermore, the Hortalez Company offered the Americans assistance in establishing diplomatic goals with other European nations, leading to serious negotiations with Spain later on. American sentiments began to change as …show more content…
Catherine the Great of Russia instituted a policy of Armed Neutrality in 1780, a policy that passively supported the Americans by trading with them and hindering England where possible while also remaining neutral. Many other countries adopted this policy, including Denmark-Norway, Sweden, and Prussia. As welcome as this passive support was, it did not contribute to the American victory over Europe as much as French support ever did. No nation stepped in and supported the Americans economically, politically, or militarily to the degree that the French did, and no nation supported American desires during the Treaty of
As early as 1775 with the establishment of the Hortalez Company France began to covertly supply necessities to the Americans, such as artillery, arms, ammunition, linens, clothes, and even gold. Such supplies enabled the Americans to survive throughout the campaigns of 1776, and without them the revolution surely would have failed, as the Continental Congress failed in supplying its own army with sufficient pay or supplies. Furthermore, the Hortalez Company offered the Americans assistance in establishing diplomatic goals with other European nations, leading to serious negotiations with Spain later on. American sentiments began to change as …show more content…
Catherine the Great of Russia instituted a policy of Armed Neutrality in 1780, a policy that passively supported the Americans by trading with them and hindering England where possible while also remaining neutral. Many other countries adopted this policy, including Denmark-Norway, Sweden, and Prussia. As welcome as this passive support was, it did not contribute to the American victory over Europe as much as French support ever did. No nation stepped in and supported the Americans economically, politically, or militarily to the degree that the French did, and no nation supported American desires during the Treaty of