Which American Revolution victory helped persuade France to openly ally with the United States?

The Battle of Saratoga helped persuade France to openly ally with the United States during the American Revolution.

The Saratoga campaign took place in 1777 in northern New York. American forces compelled British General John Burgoyne to surrender at Saratoga on October 17, after the battles of Freeman’s Farm and Bemis Heights. The victory demonstrated that the Continental Army could defeat a major British force.

France had already provided limited covert assistance to the American rebels, but Saratoga changed the diplomatic calculation. In 1778, France formally recognized the United States and signed treaties of alliance and commerce. French money, troops, ships, and military expertise later contributed significantly to the American war effort.

Saratoga is sometimes confused with Yorktown, the later victory that effectively ended major fighting. Saratoga was especially important because it helped secure the foreign alliance that strengthened the American cause before Yorktown.