France became the first formal European ally of the United States during the American Revolutionary War.
The United States and France signed the Treaty of Alliance on February 6, 1778, in Paris. The agreement followed the American victory at Saratoga, which convinced French officials that the rebellion might succeed. France had already provided covert aid, including weapons and supplies, but the treaty made its support official.
The alliance committed each side to continue the war against Britain until American independence was secured. France also agreed not to make a separate peace with Britain. French troops, naval forces, money, and equipment later became crucial to the American war effort, particularly during the Yorktown campaign.
France’s alliance had a major cost. The government borrowed heavily to support the war, worsening its financial crisis. Spain entered the war against Britain in 1779, but it did not sign the same type of formal alliance with the United States. The French-American partnership therefore has a distinct place in the Revolution’s diplomatic history.