The primary ally for the American colonies was France. At the start of the war, France helped by providing supplies to the Continental Army such as gunpowder, cannons, clothing, and shoes. In 1778, France became an official ally of the United States through the Treaty of Alliance. At this point the French became directly involved in the war. The French navy entered the war fighting off the British along the American coast. French soldiers helped to reinforce the continental army at the final battle of Yorktown in 1781.