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How Did Spain And France Support American Independence

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Spain and France supported the United States during the American Revolution. The two powers’ entrance into the American Revolution on the side of the colonists turned a civil war into an international conflict. With the aid of French forces, which had entered the conflict in 1779, the Continental Army could defeat the British forces at Yorktown, Virginia. With this success the United States got closer to the end of the War. Although the fighting ended with the surrender of General Cornwallis in October 1781, it did not formally end until 1783. “It took eight long years before the war begun at Lexington secured the independence of the colonies via the Treaty of Paris in 1783” (S. Grant 120). On September 3, 1783 the Treaty of Paris formally …show more content…

It proved “one of the most instrumental publications in history and enjoy[ed] a print run of half a million copies—enormous for its day” (Fredriksen 374). It played an important role in the political history of the country. As previously mentioned, it contributed significantly to the process of American independence. “Circulated throughout the colonies, Common Sense did more than any other publication to put American public opinion squarely on the side of independence” (Kazin 143). But it would not do justice to the work if one limits its influence to American nationalism and independence. Paine had two main points: 1) gaining independence from Britain and 2) forming a democratic republic. His arguments to support the two points centered on democracy. “This seminal polemic was a fiery and effective condemnation of kings and aristocracy that took the American polity by storm” (Fredriksen 375). He advocated independence from Britain. After independence, the new nation would need a government, a political system. He even suggested the political system that the newly-freed colonies should adopt. What he proposed was a republic with a representative democracy. He condemned monarchy and aristocracy in favor of a democratic system in which people directly elected their representatives. Common Sense was an inspiring argument in favor of democracy. It rejected hereditary succession. The arguments were straightforward; he called George III “Pharaoh of England” (qtd. in Ayers et al. 146) and “royal brute” (qtd in Fredriksen 374). He highlighted the ability of the common man to rule the country. He asserted, “Of more worth is one honest man to society, and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived” (qtd. in Berkin et al.

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The Jay’s Treaty was the result of the Proclamation of Neutrality. The war between France and Great Britain in 1793 ended the long peace that had enabled the United States to flourish in terms of trade and finance. The United States now appeared as neutral country after neglecting to either helping France or Great Britain. During the war Great Britain attempt to blockade France and its colonies proved particularly burdensome to the United States, resulting often in the seizure of American vessels. In 1794, British actions had almost led to an American declaration of war against the British.

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How Did The Treaty Of Paris Get Its Independence

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The Treaty of Paris was the final step to give the American colonist their independence. It took a long time to get to that point… 8 long years. The main battle was against the 13 colonies versus Great Britain. France and Spain entered the Revolutionary War on the side of the 13 colonies (France joined 1778 and Spain joined 1779). They went to war because they wanted to get the same rights like other British subjects, and the British king sent British soldiers without their consent, and they wanted representation in Parliament they even sent their demands to the king.

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How Did Thomas Paine Influence The Declaration Of Independence

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Due to his many experiences while living in Great Britain, he grew a desire to fight for the oppressed and often questioned the authority the British Monarchy had over the American colony. Thomas Paine wrote an influential Pamphlet “Common Sense” a scathing attack on the monarchial tyranny over the American colony and the significance of American independence. Thomas Paine’s ideas in this pamphlet were not original, however were more accessible to the masses due to the clear and direct way he wrote. His pamphlet helped to inspire The Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson. The Declaration of Independence contains a list of grievances against King George III and justifications for the assertion of the right for independence.

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