The Battle of Saratoga

The Battle at Saratoga, New York is believed to be the turing point in the American Revolutionary War.  It was with this great American victory that France agreed on helping the American cause openly.

According to americaslibrary.gov :

"France aided the colonists by providing military armaments and loans. France's support deepened after the Americans beat the British in the October 1777 Battle of Saratoga, proving themselves committed to independence and worthy of a formal alliance. King Louis XVI approved financial assistance to the American colonists only four days after Franklin and his comrades requested it.

During the Revolution, France sent an estimated 12,000 soldiers and 32,000 sailors to the American war effort, the most famous of whom was the Marquis of Lafayette. He became a good friend (ami) with American commander in chief George Washington in the process"

For the full page Click Here.

For a description of the battle Click Here.

You can find a video of a Reenactment at this site.