Why did the French decide to help the colonist fight the british
There were several reasons why the French decided to help the colonists fight the British during the American Revolutionary War:
1. Revenge: The French had bitter memories of their defeat to Britain in the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), during which they lost significant territories in North America. They saw an opportunity to weaken their long-time rival and avenge their previous defeat.
2. Strategic Interests: By supporting the colonists, the French aimed to regain territories lost in the Seven Years' War, such as parts of Canada and the islands of the West Indies. Additionally, supporting the colonists would help prevent Britain from further expanding its empire, thereby safeguarding French interests.
3. Geopolitical Rivalry: France saw an opportunity to weaken its rival, Britain, by supporting a rebellion on British soil. As Britain was already occupied with other global conflicts, the French believed that supporting the colonists could divert British resources and attention away from other areas of the world.
4. Ideological Sympathy: The French Enlightenment thinkers, who greatly influenced the French government and society, supported the ideals of the American Revolution, such as liberty, equality, and the rights of individuals. The French saw America as a kindred spirit in the pursuit of these ideals and wanted to support their cause.
5. Trade and Economic Interest: Supporting the colonists meant potential economic benefits, as it would disrupt British trade and open up new economic opportunities for France. The colonists, in turn, offered access to potential markets and resources.
6. Alliance Potential: By supporting the colonists, the French hoped to forge an alliance with the newly independent United States. This alliance would grant France a strong ally in North America and bolster their global standing against Britain.
Overall, a combination of geopolitical, strategic, economic, and ideological factors motivated the French to lend their support to the American colonists in their fight against the British.
The French decided to help the colonists fight the British for a few key reasons:
1. Geopolitical Interests: France wanted to weaken its long-time rival, Britain, by supporting the American colonists. By doing so, France saw an opportunity to increase its own power and influence in the region.
2. Revenge for the Seven Years' War: France had lost much of its colonial territory to Britain in the Seven Years' War (1756-1763). By helping the American colonists gain independence, the French hoped to regain some of their lost territories and seek revenge on the British.
3. Shared Enlightenment ideals: The French Enlightenment thinkers had a significant influence on the American Revolution, with their ideas of individual rights, liberty, and democracy inspiring the colonists. France saw this as an opportunity to support a cause aligned with their own ideals.
4. Strategic Benefits: The French believed that supporting the colonists would divert British resources and military forces away from Europe. This would give France an advantage in its conflicts with Britain and potentially disrupt Britain's position as a global power.
Overall, the French decision to support the colonists in their fight against the British was driven by both geopolitical interests and ideological alignment with the Enlightenment ideals espoused by the American Revolution.
The French decided to help the colonists fight the British during the American Revolutionary War for several reasons. Here's how you can understand the reasons:
1. Historical Rivalry: France and Britain had a long history of rivalry and conflicts, dating back centuries. The French saw an opportunity to undermine British power and diminish their influence in North America by supporting the American colonists.
2. Geopolitical Considerations: Some French officials believed that supporting the colonists would weaken Britain's global influence and provide an advantage for France in future negotiations and conflicts.
3. Financial Motives: The French government hoped that by assisting the Americans, they would secure access to the lucrative American market for trade and commerce, which could benefit their own economy.
4. Ideological Sympathy: The French Enlightenment thinkers, who valued concepts like liberty and individual rights, had a significant influence on the colonists' ideology. The French government, sympathetic to these ideas, saw an opportunity to support a cause aligned with their own values.
To verify these reasons and gain more in-depth knowledge, you can consult reputable historical sources such as books, academic journals, or even documentaries on the subject. These sources will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the French decision to support the colonists against the British.