In my opinion, outside revolutionaries helping the US was a very significant factor in its success during the revolutionary war and the US couldn't have won without there help and equipment. Especially the French which in the end fought with the US. What are your opinions on this?
I think you are right about that, cameronpalte. The French not only helped the US with men and money, but also opened up British shipping to the depredations of French naval forces. Having a big country like France on our side also forced the other countries in Europe to take the United States more seriously.
I don't think we would have won without the help of France, either. Also, Spain played a big role, supplying us with gold and silver to finance our operations. The British did not want us to have coinage of real value and that was one of the major complaints we had under their rule. Spain may have also contributed military supplies but I am not sure about that.
I think France's help was vital in our winning of the war. Without the needed supplies, no amount of morale and soldiers could win a war.
As much as the heart of the Revolutionary soldiers and leadership came into play in fighting the war, they did need supplies. The countries in Europe that helped with supplies, money, mercs, and so on very definitely a huge help in the colonies winning their freedom. Could it have happened without them? Eh, maybe, but unlikely.
What should be kept in mind though is that the French only followed their interest. The British were becoming too powerful, and there would also be some kind of revenge in the game for them. But indeed, their help proved to be vital.
Any country that helps another during a war feels that there is something in it for them. Sometimes it's being able to trade with that country. Other times it's to gain or support an ally. Or it might be to get back at the other side of the war. I think in France's case it was all 3. Too bad they can't remember that (along with WWI and WWII) today when they think about America.
