Question

Why do you think that France and Spain waited until after the Battle of Saratoga to ally with the Americans?

a) They were not aware of the American struggle before that.
b) They were waiting for the British to weaken.
c) The American army requested their support after the battle.
d) They had prior commitments to other conflicts.

Answer 1

France and Spain allied with the Americans after the Battle of Saratoga as a strategic move, following a significant American victory that demonstrated the potential success of the revolutionary cause.

Step-by-step explanation:

France and Spain waited until after the Battle of Saratoga to ally with the Americans because they needed to see a demonstration of American resolve and capacity to win. This battle served as a decisive victory that convinced the French of the Americans' potential. They were not simply waiting for British weakness, nor were they unaware of the American struggle; rather, they sought a tangible sign that their support would not be in vain.

The American army's victory in Saratoga provided this assurance, and thus France recognized American independence and formed a military alliance. This was not merely a request for support post-battle or because they had prior commitments to other conflicts; the Alliance with France was strategic and based on a perceived opportunity to both support the American cause and advance their interests against Britain.