Which battle persuaded France to openly ally with the American colonies during the Revolutionary War?

The Battle of Saratoga persuaded France to openly ally with the American colonies during the Revolutionary War.

The Battles of Saratoga took place in New York in 1777. American forces first checked and then defeated a British army commanded by General John Burgoyne. The surrender at Saratoga demonstrated that the Continental Army could defeat a major British force.

The victory encouraged France to sign the Treaty of Alliance with the United States in February 1778. French military supplies, loans, troops, and naval support became crucial to the American war effort. France had already provided covert assistance, but Saratoga helped convince its government to enter the war openly.

Yorktown was another decisive American victory, but it occurred later in 1781 and benefited from the French alliance already in place. Saratoga is therefore remembered both as a battlefield victory and as a major diplomatic turning point.