Franklin Fans the Flames in France

As the War for American Independence continued, it became increasingly necessary for the Americans to have the support of the French. As a whole, the American army was weak and nearly defenseless. Woefully unprepared, the patriots lacked supplies, weapons, and most of all, experience. Many men had never even used a musket before, and were lucky if they even had access to one. Not to mention, the American army was a remarkably tiny force comapred to the massive British army and navy that they had engaged in war with. It quickly became clear that the Americans would not be able to fight this war on their own.


And so, Benjamin Franklin was selected as ambassador to France. Already a well respected rebel leader, he accepted this new challenge eagerly. There could hardly be a better man for the job. Franklin was already well known and very popular and France, as a result of his scientific experiments and other discoveries. His witty aphorisms and perhaps even his fur cap played a part in winning the French. Nevertheless, Franklin would prove much more than just a popular figure.


The journey to France itself would be exceedingly dangerous for the new amabassador. At the time of his crossing, in late 1776, Franklin had signed the Declaration of Independence and branded hismelf a traitor. As a result, Franklin would have been in terrible danger had he encountered any British during his voyage. It is almsot certain that he would have been sent to London and hanged as a traitor. Despite this looming threat, Franklin bravely continued onward, safely arriving in France without any problems.


Franklin was warmly welcomed upon his arrival in France. As mentioned before, he was quite popular among the French public, renowned for his many inventions and discoveries(particularly taming lightning), as well as his exceptional wit. It has also been remarked that Franklin was something of a ladies' man... even at the age of 70 (He was noted to be a notorious flirt after the death of his wife, Deborah). This great popularity did not distort Franklin's political intelligence in any way, and it certainly was useful in allowing his gracious welcome to Paris and for great value being given to his ideas and requests, which would benefit America greatly.



And so, France would serve as an exceedingly valuable ally to America. As referenced earlier, the American army was terribly unpeprared to singlehandedly defeat the enormous British threat. For this reason, France was needed, to supply the Americans with weapons and other supplies, as well as its own soldiers and formidable naval power. At this time, France and England were the most powerful nations in Europe, and either one was possibly powerful enough to topple the other. But first, the Americans needed France's support. Benjamin Frnaklin was on the case!


France, now ruled by King Louis XVI, bitterly resented the British for defeating them in the Seven Years War. For years, they hoped that the British would lose their North American empire as well. Meanwhile, it seemed as if the America and the British were clsoe to reconciling. If this were to happen, Britain would not only regain, but probably permanantly secure, its immense empire in America! Ben Franklin, therefore, did not have a difficult time convicning the French monarch to intervene, wisely playing off their fears of a unified Britain and America. Before long, Franklin had succeeded in his quest and won the French support of the colonial effort!


Thanks to Benjamin Franklin, America's strength was more than doubled! France would, over the next few years, supply the patriots with weapons and more soldiers, in addition to an excellent navy. These valuable assets, combined with American bravery and ingeneiuity, would eventually allow the Americans to win their Independence!
As for Franklin, he would remain in France for the duration of the War. He would later serve as a peace negotiator at the Treaty of Paris in 1783, alongside John Adams and John Jay, and would so help to lay the final touches to American Independence, before his return in 1785.

And, to finish with an amusing quote by Ben Franklin: "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy!"

Sources of Information:
"The American Pageant" Textbook
theamericanscholar.org
ushistory.org