The American colonies did not win their independence from Britain alone. While many battles were fought by colonial militias and the Continental Army, support from other countries played a major role in helping the colonies win the Revolutionary War. Allies from France, Spain, Germany, and other parts of Europe gave money, supplies, military training, and even troops. Their help strengthened the Patriot cause at critical moments in the war.
France and Marquis de Lafayette
France was the most important ally to the American colonies. One of the best-known French supporters was Marquis de Lafayette, a young nobleman who believed strongly in the colonists’ right to freedom. Lafayette traveled to America at just 19 years old and offered to fight without pay. He quickly gained the trust of George Washington and became a general in the Continental Army. Lafayette helped lead Patriot forces in several important battles, including the Battle of Brandywine. He also returned to France to persuade the French government to send more troops, ships, and supplies. His leadership and diplomatic efforts helped make France’s support stronger, especially during the Battle of Yorktown, where French and American forces worked together to defeat the British.
Spain and Bernardo de Gálvez
Spain also supported the colonies, even though it did not officially declare war on Britain right away. Bernardo de Gálvez, the Spanish governor of Louisiana, secretly sent supplies, weapons, and money to the colonies early in the war. Later, he led Spanish soldiers in a campaign along the Gulf Coast, capturing British forts in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. His most important victory was the capture of Pensacola, which helped protect the southern colonies from British attacks. Gálvez’s actions forced Britain to fight on more fronts and took pressure off Patriot forces in the east.
Baron von Steuben and Military Training
The Continental Army also received help from Baron Friedrich von Steuben, a military officer from Prussia. When he arrived at Valley Forge in 1778, the army was suffering from cold, hunger, and a lack of training. Von Steuben spoke little English, but with the help of translators, he taught the soldiers how to march, aim their weapons, and follow orders. He introduced drills and military discipline that improved the army’s performance. Von Steuben’s training helped turn inexperienced volunteers into a more professional fighting force, which was essential for later victories.
Johann de Kalb and Other European Supporters
Johann de Kalb was another European officer who supported the colonists. Originally from Germany, he served in the French army before volunteering to help the Patriots. De Kalb became a general and fought in battles in the southern colonies. He was known for his bravery and leadership and was badly wounded at the Battle of Camden in South Carolina. He died from his injuries but was remembered as a hero by American soldiers. Many other Europeans—engineers, sailors, and soldiers—also joined the fight because they believed in liberty and independence.
A Global Effort
The Revolutionary War was not just a fight between the colonies and Britain. As France, Spain, and other countries joined the conflict, it became a global struggle. Foreign allies provided key resources, training, and support that helped the colonies win. Their contributions made a lasting impact on the outcome of the war—and the creation of a new nation.