Why did France decide to support the American cause?

Question

Why did France decide to support the American cause?

Answer 1

When?? during the revolutionary war france and england were at war so naturally supporting our rebellion was a good move.

Answer 2

I assume you mean during the American Revolution. France and Great Britain were two world powers at the time, struggling for supremacy. Supporting the Americans was a natural course for them to take, since they would be opposing Great Britain. However, such support would not come easily. It was the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga which convinced the French that the Americans could win and that the French would benefit from supporting the American cause. It is an historical irony that the single person most responsible for the American victory at Saratoga was none other than Benedict Arnold.

Answer 3

German language jokes aside, the USA and France have been close since the beginning of America, though not without a little promting. Which cause you're talking about I don't know, but it's generaly a tradeoff. France financed early America, America covered France from the Nazis, ect. They trust each other and generaly think each other have best interests at heart.



(And for the love of crane, do your own research once in a while...)

Answer 4

Be more specific as to time frame. During the Revolution they did it to piss off England and because fighting in America diverted resources England could have used to fight the French elsewhere.

I can't think of any other time France supported America; certainly not in WWI or WWII when it was the other way around. There wouldn't be a France if America had not entered those wars.

Answer 5

Are you referring to the Revolutionary War? If so, I believe France and England were arch enemies from time immemorial and the French "took the fight to the British" on US soil, which ostensibly seemed as support for the American cause. If you hate reading, rent and watch the movie "The Patriot" with Mel Gibson to learn more.

Answer 6

That analogy is simplistic. For example, the Turks ruled that area for hundreds of years and Jews have always been living in that area, and apparently that was fine, right? Turks can rule that area, we just don't want a Jewish nation to have political control right? The history of that region isn't black and white. And by the way, I live in a country that WAS taken over by another group and my ancestors faced direct genocide (Native American) as well. However this was a reality that happened in the past. So, I can't expect that modern descendant of those that were responsible somehow should "go away" or back to where "they came from." They live here now in a modern nation (USA) that actually exists. Same deal with Isreal. I appreciate the history of the Palestinian Arabs and know that there is residual pain that lingers. But, the modern population of Israel is not responsible for this history and the nation of Israel does in fact exist, just like the US, or Canada, etc. Everyone just wants to be able to send their kids to school and live their lives without fear and violence. Wishing for an entire country or population to simply "not exist" isn't going to solve anything. You don't see Native Americans bombing school busses and strapping bombs on themselves to kill Americans either. We fought our wars (in a dramatic and outright fashion), survived genocide, and are now working to strengthen our tribal nations. We accept the political framework but work to improve it. We don't just simple wish that White Americans "didn't exist" or would go back to Europe. That is not to say that Israel should not be challenged on its atrocities...and they should be held accountable for settlement of contested territory. But both sides are extreme in their views and tactics and that is the reason there will *never be peace in that region. Too much extreme religious dogma and people that hold grudges for thousands of years.

Answer 7

Because they didn't like Britain, either.

Oh wait, which war are you talking about?

If it is this one, it could be the 5 million Muslims living in their country. Or the Muslims who hijacked a 747 several years ago with the intent of flying it into the Eiffel Tower. (They were stopped on the ground by Special Ops).

Answer 8

They supported America because they hated the brits, they didnt want Enland to be the greatest world power

Answer 9

when did they do that? France sure seemed to forget that they would be speaking German if it was not for the USA helping out over there

Answer 10

Don't you mean why aren't they supporting the cause?