USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -His popularity and diplomatic skill-along with the first American battlefield success at Saratoga-convinced France to recognize American independence and conclude an alliance with the thirteen states in 1778.

Detailed explanation-2: -During the American Revolution, he served in the Second Continental Congress and helped draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He was paramount in obtaining support from King Louis XVI of France and was largely responsible for his signing the important military alliance of 1778.

Detailed explanation-3: -The cagey diplomat used that factor, combined with news of the British occupation of Philadelphia, to convince the French to provide financial and eventually military support to the revolutionary effort in America.

Detailed explanation-4: -American victory over the British in the Battle of Saratoga convinced the French that the Americans were committed to independence and worthy partners to a formal alliance. Over the course of the war, France contributed an estimated 12, 000 soldiers and 32, 000 sailors to the American war effort.