Happy Birthday to us! I'm always inspired at the courage of those who put their signatures on this document knowing full-well that doing so not only put our nascent Nation in the cross-hairs of England...but also put themselves personally in those same cross-hairs. I wonder how many of today's politicians have that level of moxie?
I also always take a minute on this date to silently thank the French. Without their help, we'd all be speaking with British accents and paying a heck-of-a-lot more in taxes. According to the History Channel webpage... here are at least 5 ways the French helped win the American revolution:
1) They provided ideological underpinnings: French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rosseau in is 1762 "The Social Contract" stated 'Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains.' That sentiment was evident in Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death!" declaration...a significant rallying cry for the colonists.
2) They posed a heftier geopolitical threat to Britain: France's siding with the revolutionaries against Britain, along with the great possibility of Spain and the Dutch to also join in on our side made a prolonged and costly war against the Colonies a less than appealing option for British legislators.
3) They provide covert aid: Benjamin Franklin's fortuitous and secret meeting with French secret envoy Julien-Alexandre de Bonvouloir in 1775 resulted in the French providing military engineers, clothing, arms and ammunition for 25,000 revolutionary soldiers. Franklin's continued engagement with the French, even through American losses and tough winters, kept the French supporting our war efforts.
4) They shared money, men and mater: France provided 1.3 billion 'livres' in money and goods in support of the revolution. Roughly 12,000 French soldiers, 22,000 naval personnel aboard 63 warships aided in the rebellion.
5. They provided political legitimacy: The Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1778 formally acknowledged the United States as an independent nation and opened the way for Americans to trade internationally. They brokered the 1783 Treaty of Paris which provided a formal end to the conflict.
Could we have done it without them? Hard to say definitively, but we were on the ropes. There is no doubt that French engagement and direct support significantly aided in us winning the conflict and our independence. Viva la France!
It remains hard to imagine our success without our French buds. They were awfully import, as you say, in so many aspects. Enjoy your celebration!
Excellent.
Happy Birthday to us! I'm always inspired at the courage of those who put their signatures on this document knowing full-well that doing so not only put our nascent Nation in the cross-hairs of England...but also put themselves personally in those same cross-hairs. I wonder how many of today's politicians have that level of moxie?
I also always take a minute on this date to silently thank the French. Without their help, we'd all be speaking with British accents and paying a heck-of-a-lot more in taxes. According to the History Channel webpage... here are at least 5 ways the French helped win the American revolution:
1) They provided ideological underpinnings: French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rosseau in is 1762 "The Social Contract" stated 'Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains.' That sentiment was evident in Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death!" declaration...a significant rallying cry for the colonists.
2) They posed a heftier geopolitical threat to Britain: France's siding with the revolutionaries against Britain, along with the great possibility of Spain and the Dutch to also join in on our side made a prolonged and costly war against the Colonies a less than appealing option for British legislators.
3) They provide covert aid: Benjamin Franklin's fortuitous and secret meeting with French secret envoy Julien-Alexandre de Bonvouloir in 1775 resulted in the French providing military engineers, clothing, arms and ammunition for 25,000 revolutionary soldiers. Franklin's continued engagement with the French, even through American losses and tough winters, kept the French supporting our war efforts.
4) They shared money, men and mater: France provided 1.3 billion 'livres' in money and goods in support of the revolution. Roughly 12,000 French soldiers, 22,000 naval personnel aboard 63 warships aided in the rebellion.
5. They provided political legitimacy: The Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1778 formally acknowledged the United States as an independent nation and opened the way for Americans to trade internationally. They brokered the 1783 Treaty of Paris which provided a formal end to the conflict.
https://www.history.com/news/american-revolution-french-role-help
Could we have done it without them? Hard to say definitively, but we were on the ropes. There is no doubt that French engagement and direct support significantly aided in us winning the conflict and our independence. Viva la France!