What prompted France to fight on the colonist side during the revolutionary war
The decision of France to support the colonists during the American Revolutionary War was influenced by several factors. Here's how you can understand the reasons behind France's involvement:
1. Growing Rivalry with Britain: France had a long-standing rivalry with Britain and had lost several conflicts against them in the past, including the Seven Years' War. The British victory in that war had severely weakened France's position and they were eager to retaliate against their long-time adversary.
2. Support for Independence: France saw an opportunity to weaken Britain by supporting the American colonies in their fight for independence. The French government believed that an independent United States would reduce British influence globally and potentially provide an ally against British dominance.
3. Ideological Sympathy: The ideas of the Enlightenment movement, which emphasized liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty, had gained popularity in France. The colonists' struggle for independence aligned with these Enlightenment ideals, resonating with the French intellectuals and public sentiment.
4. Desire for Revenge: France sought revenge against Britain for their previous defeats and felt that supporting the American colonists would be an effective way to challenge British power.
5. Potential Economic Benefits: The French government also saw potential economic benefits in aiding the American rebels. They hoped that a victorious America would become a trading partner and offer economic opportunities in the future.
To summarize, France's decision to fight on the colonists' side during the Revolutionary War was primarily driven by their rivalry with Britain, ideological sympathy, desire for revenge, and potential economic gains.