convinced france to aid the colonists?

Answer 1

Actually, the question did not say "WHO convinced France...?" So I assume it can just as well mean "WHAT...?" And the clear answer there is, the American victory in the Battle of Saratoga. As for people, Franklin did not do it alone.

"Ben Franklin also played a vital diplomatic role during the American Revolution and the early national period. In 1776, the Continental Congress sent Franklin and several others to secure a formal alliance with France, which deeply resented the loss of territory to the British during the French and Indian War. American victory over the British in the BATTLE OF SARATOGA CONVINCED THE FRENCH that the Americans were committed to independence and would be worthy partners in a formal alliance"
http://inventors.about.com/od/fstartinventions/a/Franklin.htm

Compare:
"The Battle of Saratoga in September and October 1777 was a decisive American victory that was to result in France entering the conflict on behalf of the Americans during the American Revolutionary War."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Saratoga

and many, many other sites.

Note: "Battle of Saratoga" is THE answer to the quesion "What was the turning point of the American Revolution?"

Answer 2

They didn't need much convincing because it meant they were getting one over on the old enemy, the Brits. It's interesting to reflect that had it not been for French support and matériel, it is likely that the colonists would have lost - yet 2 centuries later they forget and try to ban the use of the words 'Frence Fries'!

Answer 3

This was Benjamin Franklin.