#OnThisDay, 6th February, in 1778; two Franco-American “treaties of Alliance” are signed. The first is a commercial agreement, establishing trading links between France and the United States; the second is a military pact, in case the British wished to begin hostilities. Not only did this open the door for other European nations to become involved, this document was the Kingdom of France officially recognising the United States as a sovereign state….provided they could emerge victorious from any conflict. The British declared war on 17th March, just 6 weeks later.
As you can see from the featured image of the military alliance, it was written in English and French, and declared that France and the US would not ‘lay down their arms, until the Independence of the united states shall have been formally or tacitly assured by the Treaty or Treaties that shall terminate the War.’
Source: “Treaty of Alliance with France; 2/6/1778”; Perfected Treaties, 1778 – 1945; General Records of the United States Government, Record Group 11; National Archives Building, Washington, DC
Le Régiment Gatinois 