War of independence question

[greynotsoold]

France had been quietly supporting the American cause since the start, and sent troops and a fleet in 1780. Of course they were also fighting the British elsewhere around the world.

[walrus]

France had been quietly supporting the American cause since the start, and sent troops and a fleet in 1780. Of course they were also fighting the British elsewhere around the world.

It actually took a lot of time to get the French going. They were in a tight spot. They thought it would be a good opportunity to beat the Brits but America's point was denial of the Kings sovereignty which flew in the face of everything at the time. If it were not for Ben Franklin the French may never have backed us. Of course the American Revolution was the spark for the French Revolution not long after. Nowhere in my readings on the Revolution is it mentioned we ever considered surrender to the Brits. There was a large population of Torries, or people who wanted to remain loyal to the Crown including Ben Franklin's son. The Brits realized in was futile. In the cannons of European warfare at the time England had won. They took over most of the major cities including Philadelphia, the seat of power at the time. Perhaps if the Brits had B-52's back then they could have made us submit, short of that it would never have happened. The French officer Lafyette is still celebrated in the US. We have many roads and buildings named after him. All in all, a very interesting time in history.

[Master]

Some say because the French supported the US their Royals became bankrupt and led to their demise.

[walrus]

Some say because the French supported the US their Royals became bankrupt and led to their demise.

Right you are Master. Supporting us drained the coffers of France and pissed people off.

[El Kabong]

The French were late in coming, but also since America was an ocean away it was too expensive for England to keep at war with us. Now in 1812 they attempted to regain control over us, but once again we stood strong and won out and we actually had a Navy this time which helped keep future wars from happening. Also England had enemies closer to home and some that were bigger worries to them. They couldn't afford the cost or manpower it would take to quell the Americans, it would have left them vulnerable at home.