# France enters American War of Independence (1778)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1778-france-enters-american-war-of-independence
Location: Atlantic and North America
Categories: battle

Alliance with the United States brought France openly into war against Britain. Within the broader Bourbon & Ancien Régime period, Bourbon France became a leading European power through stronger royal government, global expansion, war and court culture. Fiscal strain, social privilege and Enlightenment criticism accumulated beneath the apparent strength of the Ancien Régime. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Louis XVI (King of France). France enters American War of Independence mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
France enters American War of Independence mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed.

Ruler at the time: [Louis XVI](https://history-france.com/rulers/louis-xvi)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — France enters American War of Independence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=France+enters+American+War+of+Independence&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — France enters American War of Independence](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=France+enters+American+War+of+Independence)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)