France

Lee Resolution (1776)

• https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/lee-resolution February 8, 2022 "On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, introduced this resolution in the Second Continental Congress proposing independence for the American colonies." National Archives Milestone Documents

Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.

That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation

Treaty of Alliance with France (1778)

• https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/treaty-of-alliance-with-france May 10, 2022 "The American Colonies and France signed this military treaty on February 6, 1778. It formalized France’s financial and military support of the revolutionary government in America." National Archives Milestone Documents

Treaty of Paris (1783)

• https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/treaty-of-paris May 10, 2022 "This treaty, signed on September 3, 1783, between the American colonies and Great Britain, ended the American Revolution and formally recognized the United States as an independent nation." National Archives Milestone Documents

The Louisiana Purchase Napoleonic France Acquires Louisiana Louisiana: European Explorations and the Louisiana Purchase

• https://www.loc.gov/collections/louisiana-european-explorations-and-the-louisiana-purchase/articles-and-essays/the-louisiana-purchase Nov 14, 2023 "The Louisiana Purchase Napoleonic France Acquires Louisiana On October 1, 1800, within 24 hours of signing a peace settlement with the United States, First Consul of the Republic of France Napoleon Bonaparte, acquired Louisiana from Spain by the secret Treaty of San Ildefonso. To the distress of the United States, Napoleon held title to the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans. With the signing of the Treaty of San Ildefonso, Napoleon sought to reestablish an extended French maritime and colonial empire in the West Indies and the Mississippi Valley....Rumors of the secret retrocession of Louisiana from Spain to France prompted anxiety in Washington city...Jefferson realized that if France claimed Louisiana, Great Britain would try to capture and occupy the region." Library of Congress Collections

The XYZ Affair and the Quasi-War with France, 1798–1800 Milestones in the History of U.S. Foreign Relations

• https://history.state.gov/milestones/1784-1800/xyz Apr 8, 2018 "The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident between French and United States diplomats that resulted in a limited, undeclared war known as the Quasi-War. U.S. and French negotiators restored peace with the Convention of 1800, also known as the Treaty of Mortefontaine...For their part, the British had delighted in the anti-French uproar in the United States and moved to assist the Americans against a common foe, revolutionary France." United States Department of State

Louisiana Purchase, 1803 Milestones in the History of U.S. Foreign Relations

• https://history.state.gov/milestones/1801-1829/louisiana-purchase Apr 8, 2018 "The Louisiana Purchase encompassed 530,000,000 acres of territory in North America that the United States purchased from France in 1803 for $15 million...France acquired Louisiana from Spain in 1800 and took possession in 1802, sending a large French army to St. Domingue and preparing to send another to New Orleans. Westerners became very apprehensive about having the more-powerful French in control of New Orleans: President Thomas Jefferson noted, “There is on the globe one single spot, the possessor of which is our natural and habitual enemy. It is New Orleans.” United States Department of State

George Washington's relationship with the French Military 2:25

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ny-C30dXsJI Oct 12, 2018 Bestselling author Nathaniel Philbrick discusses his exciting new book, In The Hurricane's Eye. In this video, he talks about George Washington's unique relationship with the French military, and how they worked together to defeat the British military, and win the Revolutionary War. This partnership was integral to winning the war, and Philbrick covers in detail how leaders from both sides worked closely together. George Washington's Mount Vernon

French warship replica sets sail for America 6:29

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fakw-bS3ujI May 24, 2015 A newly-launched replica of the 18th century French frigate Hermione is now in the mid-Atlantic, ploughing her way toward the U.S. East Coast. She's retracing the voyage made in 1780 by the original Hermione, whose mission was crucial to the American Revolution. Mark Phillips reports. CBS Sunday Morning

Replica of historic war ship Hermione docks in New York 6:03

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GPXVV7jjPA Jul 4, 2015 America's Revolutionary War was raging 235 years ago when Marquis de Lafayette sailed from France aboard the Navy frigate Hermione to deliver good news to his friend George Washington. On this Independence Day, a replica of the famous ship is in New York City as part of the Fourth of July celebrations. David Begnaud reports. CBS Mornings

History is remade in France 2:39

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdTLOpGH8yA Apr 18, 2015 In 1780, a 32-gun frigate named Hermione left France for America, with good news for the colonists rebelling against Great Britain. On Saturday, a replica of the ship set sail on a similar course. Mark Philips reports. CBS Evening News