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Treaty of Alliance with France: Primary Documents in American History

On February 6, 1778, the United States and France signed the Treaty of Alliance, creating a military alliance against Great Britain. This guide provides access to digital materials, links to external websites, and a print bibliography.

Introduction

The Treaty of Alliance with France was signed on February 6, 1778, creating a military alliance between the United States and France against Great Britain. Negotiated by the American diplomats Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee, the Treaty of Alliance required that neither France nor the United States agree to a separate peace with Great Britain, and that American independence be a condition of any future peace agreement. In addition to the Treaty of Alliance, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with France was signed on February 6, 1778, promoting trade and commercial ties between the two countries.