Final answer:
Revenge was one of the factors that influenced the French to support the American Revolution, aimed at weakening the British monarchy and spreading revolutionary ideals. American opinions were divided, with Federalists fearing repercussions and Republicans supporting French efforts. The Treaty of Alliance compelled assistance, but preserving American security and interests led to a stance of neutrality.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether revenge was a good reason for the French to join the American Revolution, we must consider the complexities of the era's political landscape. During the French Revolution, the American public was divided into Federalists and Republicans. Federalists, such as Alexander Hamilton, were concerned that the French fight was led by licentiousness rather than liberty and feared that further involvement with France could harm the American experiment. On the other hand, Republicans like Thomas Jefferson found the events in France to be a continuation of republican ideas and were supportive.
The alliance between France and the American colonies was secured after the victory at Saratoga in 1777. This was crucial for the colonies' triumph over Britain, but differences in opinion emerged in the 1790s. The execution of French King Louis XVI during the Reign of Terror and France's subsequent wars heightened these divisions. Though the Treaty of Alliance of 1778 obligated the Americans to assist the French, advisors to President George Washington recommended neutrality to preserve American security and economic stability.
Revenge as a motive can be analyzed through the lens of these events. The pursuit of revenge against Britain by joining the American Revolution might have appealed to the French desire to weaken monarchies and support revolutionary efforts. Nonetheless, it was also influenced by complex international relations, treaties, and the philosophical ideals of the time.