<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 helped negotiate an alliance between the patriots and france
who helped negotiate an alliance between the patriots and france
Silas Deane Benjamin Franklin
Silas Deane Benjamin Franklin