One reason the French were hesitant to ally with the Americans before Saratoga was Uncertainty about American success.

Before the Battles of Saratoga, the French were reluctant to ally with the Americans, uncertain about their likelihood of defeating British forces. France was wary of dedicating military and financial resources to a conflict that could fail, as they sought to prevent additional losses and complications to their interests. However, the American triumph at Saratoga showcased their potential for victory, dramatically altering French views. This pivotal moment ultimately resulted in a formal alliance between France and the United States, which was instrumental in the American Revolutionary War.