Tags
American Revolutionary War, Americans in Paris, Battle of Chesapeake, Battles of Saratoga, Benjamin Franklin, Costs to France, La Fayette, Salons and Cafés, Thomas Jefferson, Treaty of Paris 1783
The Battle of Chesapeake
The Battle of Chesapeake, fought on 5 September 1781, between a British fleet led by Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Graves KCB (c.1747 – 29 March 1814) and a French fleet led by Rear Admiral Francois-Joseph Paul, the Comte de Grasse, was a victory for American “patriots” and their French allies. (See The Battle of Chesapeake, Wikipedia.)
Although Louis XVI was reluctant to enter actively in the American War of Independence (19 April 1775 – 11 April 1783), he provided financial help to the fledgling North-American republic, as did the Netherlands, Spain and other nations. However, Louis XVI’s resolve not to engage in a costly war was weakened by such figures as Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes (20 December 1717 – 13 February 1787). The Seven Year’s War had so blemished France’s military might that when France entered the American Revolutionary War, its purpose may have been revenge. In 1778, France recognized the independence of the Thirteen Colonies and, having been emboldened by the Battles of Saratoga (19 September and 7 October 1777), it entered the American War of Independence ferociously. (See Surrender of General Burgoyne, Wikipedia.)
Benjamin Franklin
Associated with the American War of Independence were such figures as Benjamin Franklin (6 January 1706 – April 17, 1790) and Thomas Jefferson (13 April 1743 – 4 July 1826), the third President of the United States. As for the French, they fought Britain enlisting the support of seasoned members of the Ancien Régime‘s military and, particularly, its rebuilt naval forces. Gilbert du Motier, marquis de la Fayette (6 September 1757 – 20 May 1834), is the name that comes to mind when we reflect on this part of American and French history. But other members of the French military also fought on behalf of the United States. In fact, the American Revolutionary War grew into a world war.
Benjamin was a hero to the French before he served as Minister to France (1776 – 1785), a position now referred to as that of ambassador. Franklin was a man of the Enlightenment and a Freemason. He participated in experiments made by French scientists, including Dr Guillotin[I] (28 May 1738 – 26 March 1814). He met Voltaire ((21 November 1694 – 30 May 1778), a fellow Freemason usually considered the leader of the French Enlightenment. Voltaire was approaching death at the time he met Franklin. Franklin was also received at Versailles, the home of the Royal Family, and knew every intellectual in Paris as well as salonniers and salonnières. He earned the title of “the first American.”
Franklin was a polymath, so he learned French easily. Moreover, he became an habitué, or regular, of the Café Procope. Benjamin Franklin loved France and quickly realized that in France much business and diplomacy was conducted in salons and cafés. He would be succeeded by Thomas Jefferson (13 April 1743 – 4 July 1826) as American Minister to France. When Jefferson arrived in Paris, with a few of his slaves, he announced that he was not replacing Benjamin Franklin but “succeeding” him. (See Thomas Jefferson, Wikipedia.) Franklin was also a favourite in the best of Salons. Women adored him.
I am writing a post about Americans is Paris during the last two decades of the 18th century. I will now return to my original article, but will post the above. The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, ended the American War of Independence.
My computer failed me. The hard disk had to be replaced and, afterwards, software had to be reinstalled. It was a lengthy and exhausting process. So let this be an introduction to “Americans in Paris.”
Best regards to all of you.
____________________
[I] Dr Guillotin ( 28 May 1738 – 26 March 1814) was a proponent of painless capital punishment, but he did not invent the guillotine. Although it was named after him, the prototype for the guillotine was designed by Antoine Louis (13 February 1723 – 20 May 1792) and the guillotine was first called the louisette.
© Micheline Walker
14 May 2014
WordPress
Naomi Baltuck said:
Dear Micheline,
Very interesting, as usual. I look forward to learning more about this. Franklin was such an interesting person.
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michelinewalker said:
“Americans in Paris” is a surprisingly rich topic. Franklin was made an honorary member of the French Academy! I love it.
Thank you Naomi,
Micheline
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Gallivanta said:
What an amazing person. Great choice of video clip.
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michelinewalker said:
Thank you Gallivanta. That video is just what I needed.
Take care Gallivanta,
Micheline
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Mélanie said:
interesting and exceptional article, Miss Walker… 🙂
I’ve often wondered: how many Americans know that without France and Lafayette’s army the USofA would have never existed?!… I’m thinkin’ of the silly French/France bashing in 2003 when the bus-cheney administration “punished” France after the French Gov opposed the ILLEGAL invasion and occupation of Iraq… 😦 how many Americans know that their US-Constitution has been largely inspired from the French one?… the architecture of their capital DC was designed by the French Pierre L’Enfant, THE only foreigner buried @ Arlington!!! Last but not least: how many Americans know that Lady Liberty – the very symbol of America has been a gift from France to the American people?!… my questions have been rhetorical, of course… 🙂
my very best, tons of inspiration and have a pleasant Sunday! cheers, Mélanie
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michelinewalker said:
Melanie,
Very few people know that without the financial and military support of France the Thirteen Colonies would have remained colonies for a longer time. France had rebuilt its forces after the Seven Years’ War and its military wanted Louis XVI to go to war.
You are absolute right, by and large, people don’t know that the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French to the Americans, except for its pedestal. Also, notice the dome on Jefferson’s house. Jefferson wanted to have a dome built resembling a dome or domes he had seen in France. The idea moved to Washington. Besides Pierre Charles L’Enfant was a Freemason, as was George Washington. Masonic elements were incorporated in government buildings and the lay out of Washington (D.C.). La Fayette became a Freemason out of admiration for George Washington. History is fascinating. Thank you for writing Melanie. Best and cheers!
Micheline
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Mélanie said:
Bonjour Micheline & merci for your elaborated reply… I do appreciate! 🙂
* * *
before being “freemasons”, they were French… 😉
* * *
@”History is fascinating.” – yes, indeed, and geography, too… 🙂 I lived 5 years in Houston, TX and our kids “studied” at school… Texas history!!! 😀 I’ve often been surprised by the white Americans’ nonchalance and ignorance about their European roots and origins, even though they’ve been “états-uniens”(sic!) for several generations, they simply don’t care about their ancestors and their own identity…
* * *
avec plaisir et avec joie… je te souhaite une excellente semaine! amicalement, Mélanie – dilettante générale assumée… 🙂
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Mélanie said:
@”Your comment is awaiting moderation.” – why, please?…
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michelinewalker said:
De quoi peut-il s’agir.
Amitiés,
Micheline
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Mélanie said:
this one: Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Bonjour Micheline & merci for your elaborated reply… I do appreciate! 🙂
* * *
before being “freemasons”, they were French… 😉
* * *
@”History is fascinating.” – yes, indeed, and geography, too… 🙂 I lived 5 years in Houston, TX and our kids “studied” at school… Texas history!!! 😀 I’ve often been surprised by the white Americans’ nonchalance and ignorance about their European roots and origins, even though they’ve been “états-uniens”(sic!) for several generations, they simply don’t care about their ancestors and their own identity…
* * *
avec plaisir et avec joie… je te souhaite une excellente semaine! amicalement, Mélanie – dilettante générale assumée… 🙂
Like this
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
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michelinewalker said:
Mélanie,
Je croyais avoir répondu à ton commentaire, mais il reste là, à m’attendre.
Bien cordialement,
Micheline
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michelinewalker said:
WorkPress vient d’attirer mon attention. J’ai des commentaires qui semblent presque oubliés. Mais ils ne le sont pas.
En toute amitié,
Micheline
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Home Invasion Millburn NJ said:
Can I just say what a relief to uncover somebody who
genuinely knows what they’re discussing on the internet.
You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
A lot more people really need to look at this and understand this side of the story.
I was surprised you aren’t more popular because you most
certainly have the gift.
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michelinewalker said:
Let’s just say that she is curious and loves storytelling.
Many thanks,
Micheline
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