An important turning point in the Revolutionary War came when France formally sided with the American colonies at the Battle of Saratoga.

France offered its support after the Americans' victory at Saratoga and assured French leaders that the colonies could overcome British forces. The two countries agreed to jointly oppose British authority and provided financial and military support when they signed the Treaty of Alliance in 1778. In addition to supporting the American war effort, this alliance fundamentally changed the war's power dynamics and supplied vital resources that eventually helped lead to American independence.