The Continental Congress: Relationship Between France And France

The Continental Congress knew that if they declared independence and went to war with Great Britain, they could not win the war alone and they needed allies. In order to promote their cause abroad, Congress established the Committee of Correspondence on November 29, 1775 (this committee later became the Department of Foreign Affairs). Benjamin Franklin spearheaded the committee and members also included, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Johnson, John Dickinson, and John Jay. America used this committee as their first point of contact with France, as the committee's main duties were to gather European allies, and Benjamin Franklin had his eyes on France. The relationship between France and Great Britain up until this point in history was long and complex; some would say that the nations were bitter enemies, as they had fought multiple bloody wars. As the American Revolution started to gain traction, the French saw this as an opportunity to weaken
In June of 1777, Lafayette landed in America and enlisted as a volunteer soldier. Since he ranked high in French nobility and he was so sympathetic to the American cause, Congress commissioned him a Major General on the 31st of July. Lafayette became a member of George Washington’s staff and a strong friendship developed between the two men and lasted for the rest of Washington’s life. At the same time, Lafayette worked with and became good friends with Alexander Hamilton, the first Treasury Secretary. Lafayette was a part of many important battles and went with Washington and his army into winter quarters at Valley Forge. Lafayette returned to France for a brief time between 1778 and 1780. After his return, assisted the Americans until the official end of the war, at which time he sailed home to