Which 1778 treaty created a formal military alliance between the United States and France during the Revolutionary War?

The Treaty of Alliance (1778) created a formal military alliance between the United States and France during the Revolutionary War.

The treaty was signed in Paris on February 6, 1778, by representatives of King Louis XVI and the Second Continental Congress. Benjamin Franklin, Arthur Lee, and Silas Deane signed for the United States, while Conrad Alexandre Gérard signed for France.

The agreement promised French military support if Britain attacked France because of its relationship with the United States. It also restricted either ally from making a separate peace with Britain. French aid later included troops, weapons, money, and naval power, all of which strengthened the American war effort.

The treaty is often confused with the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, signed the same day. That separate agreement established commercial relations and formal recognition. The military alliance was especially important during the later campaign at Yorktown.