The colonist realizing that they would need allies in the fight against Britain approached France and other European powers as early as 1775 seeking trade and support. The colonists found few interested in intervening in what was still seen as an internal matter at that time. This did not mean the powers were not interested in trade and other diplomatic interaction, but they feared the …show more content…
The French, while interested were hesitant to commit to a treaty and the Spanish outright refused to entertain the colonial representative’s proposals. The turning point in negotiations occurred in 1777 after the capture of General Burgoyne by colonial forces. This gave the colonists a measure of credibility that resulted in France taking their case more seriously. France agreed to recognize and enter into and alliance with the Americans French support increased from that point on, and eventually included support from Spain as well (Middlekauff,