<P> Up against the British power , the young nation lacked arms and allies , and so it turned towards France . France was not directly interested in the conflict , but saw it as an opportunity to contest British power by supporting a new British opponent . Through negotiations conducted first by Silas Deane and then by Benjamin Franklin , France began covert support of the American cause . </P>
<P> Up against the British power , the young nation lacked arms and allies , and so it turned towards France . France was not directly interested in the conflict , but saw it as an opportunity to contest British power by supporting a new British opponent . Through negotiations conducted first by Silas Deane and then by Benjamin Franklin , France began covert support of the American cause . </P>
who convinced france to aid the continental army during the revolutionary war
who convinced france to aid the continental army during the revolutionary war
Silas Deane Benjamin Franklin
Silas Deane Benjamin Franklin