The French Navy and American Independence

Focusing on the interplay between military strategy and diplomacy, the author examines how the French navy was crucial in aiding American independence. He highlights the significance of long-range naval requirements in France's decision to support the colonists and explores how naval rivalry escalated from limited assistance to full-scale war. The narrative emphasizes the influence of military considerations on French diplomacy, particularly in a context where military officers were not directly involved in decision-making, yet their needs shaped diplomatic actions.