[Pharmboy]

Although I usually do not post local remembrances, this piece had a lot of good, specific information on the French help during the RevWar.

[conservaterian]

Too bad the French have fallen so far from their noble roots.

[Pharmboy]

Also, a bit of irony in that the first European settlers of the lower Hudson Valley (this area) were French Huguenots.

Re-enactors of French RevWar troops, Newport, RI in 2005

The RevWar/Colonial History/General Washington ping list...

[Pharmboy]

Also, a bit of irony in that the first European settlers of the lower Hudson Valley (this area) were French Huguenots.

Re-enactors of French RevWar troops, Newport, RI in 2005

The RevWar/Colonial History/General Washington ping list...

[wagglebee]

Good story. I remember visiting Van Cortlandtville on a school field trip in 4th grade.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

France was but the first European power to join the Americans against the British. In 1779, a year after the Franco-American treaty of alliance, Spain entered the fray, followed by Holland in 1780. Several other European nations, while not actively joining the fighting, were increasingly hostile toward the British. The American rebellion had widened into a world war.

Thanks for the ping.

BTTT

[driftless2]

Yes, well, thank you France (and other countries) for your support during the RW. But it’s a faulty idea that if it wasn’t for the support of the foreign contingent, we wouldn’t have gained our independence. Eventually we would have become independent. As are all former Brit colonies that chose to do so. However, we might not have had as wise men as the ones who created the constitution. But, nevertheless, we would have eventually become independent.

[OldNewYork]

French culture and history ping.

[colorado tanker]

Thanks Pharmboy. The French involvement is a classic case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Louis was no democrat and would eventually be deposed in his own revolution. But their aid was critical to the victory at Yorktown and the British decision that we pesky colonials were more trouble than we were worth.