February 6, 1778 – Treaties Signed Between America and France

On this day in history, in the midst of the American war for independence, representatives of the French monarchy and the American Republic signed treaties of commerce and alliance. The Treaty of Alliance created a military alliance against Great Britain, stipulating American independence as a condition of peace. The treaty also required France and the U.S. to concur in any peace agreement. The Treaty of Amity and Commerce recognized the United States as an independent nation in addition to promoting trade between France and the United States. The treaties were negotiated by the American diplomats Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee.

Engraving of Benjamin Franklin while serving as envoy from the American Congress to
the French Court

Specifically, as explained by Holger Hoock in his book Scars of Independence:

The two countries granted each other most-favored-nation status in trade and guaranteed each other’s possessions in North America forever. Most importantly, France promised to support America’s war until independence was secured. America would, in return, give France free rein in the West Indies, the lucrative sugar islands perennially subject to Anglo-French rivalry.”

Simeon Deane, brother of Silas Deane, delivered the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with France to Congress on May 2, 1778. Congress ratified both treaties on May 4, 1778.

Over the course of the war, France contributed an estimated 12,000 soldiers and 32,000 sailors to the American war effort.

You can read the text of the Treaty of Alliance here, and the text of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce here.