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Difficulty: EasyThe Revolutionary War: Military and Diplomacy

Read the excerpt below from a letter written by Benjamin Franklin in 1779:

'It is the English interest to make us believe that the French are a perfidious people... But we know that France has did us essential services, and is still ready to do more. The treaty she has made with us is a proof of her sincerity...'

The diplomatic alliance referred to in the excerpt was made possible primarily by which of the following military developments?

  1. The defeat of British forces at Saratoga, which convinced French leadership of the viability of the American causeAnswer
  2. B
    The signing of the Declaration of Independence, which instantly established a formal defensive pact with European powers
  3. C
    The final British surrender at Yorktown, which occurred before any European alliance could be negotiated
  4. D
    The evacuation of British troops from Boston, which secured a permanent peace treaty with Great Britain

Answer

The defeat of British forces at Saratoga, which convinced French leadership of the viability of the American cause
The victory at Saratoga in 1777 showed France that the Americans had a viable chance of success, prompting the French to enter the war openly as allies.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the context of the stimulus.
The stimulus is a letter from Benjamin Franklin in 1779 discussing a treaty made with France.
This establishes that the question is asking about the diplomatic treaty of alliance signed with France in 1778.
2
Determine the cause-and-effect relationship between military events and diplomacy.
The military victory at Saratoga in October 1777 demonstrated to the French government that the Americans were capable of winning the war.
France wanted to weaken its rival Great Britain but required evidence of American military viability before committing resources, money, and troops.
3
Select the option that correctly identifies the military turning point associated with this alliance.
The defeat of British forces at Saratoga is the correct option.
It matches the timing and causal relationship of the diplomatic treaty mentioned in the letter.

Key Concept

The significance of the Battle of Saratoga as a military turning point that secured the French alliance during the Revolutionary War.
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Topics

The Revolutionary War: Military and Diplomacy

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