Question

We signed a treaty with France so that they'd give us guns and ships and help us in the war, and in return, after the war if they won, they'd help and support France in political matters and stuff.

True or False

Answer 1

The statement concerning the treaty obligations between France and the U.S. is true. The Treaty of Alliance obligated mutual assistance between the nations, however, the Treaty of Mortefontaine later overrode it and emphasized free trade.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is true; the United States (then the American colonies) entered into a treaty with France, known as the Treaty of Alliance, during the Revolutionary War. This treaty stipulated that each nation would come to the other's aid in the event of a war with Great Britain. However, the situation became complicated when France went to war with Great Britain during the French Revolution. Although the Treaty of Alliance obliged the U.S. to assist France, key figures like Secretary of State Jefferson and Secretary of Treasury Hamilton advised that the country remain neutral due to concerns over American security and economic interests, especially trade relations with the British. Eventually, the Treaty of Mortefontaine (Convention of 1800) superseded prior pacts, including the Treaty of Alliance, and concluded the hostilities between the U.S. and France, highlighting the importance of free trade and canceling earlier treaties related to mutual assistance in political matters and stuff.