In the America250 story, France became the United States’ key European ally after the American victory at Saratoga.
The Battles of Saratoga ended with British General John Burgoyne’s surrender on October 17, 1777. The victory persuaded France that the American rebellion had a realistic chance of defeating Britain, its long-standing rival.
France formally recognized the United States and signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance in February 1778. French military supplies, naval power, troops, and financial support became crucial to the American war effort.
French forces helped trap the British army at Yorktown in 1781, where General Charles Cornwallis surrendered. The alliance did not single-handedly win the war, but French assistance was central to the final campaign. Spain also fought Britain during the wider conflict, but it did not sign the same formal alliance with the United States.