At the beginning of the American War of Independence in 1776, France was still smarting from its defeat in the Seven Years’ War that took place between 1754 and 1763. When Benjamin Franklin came to Paris to call on the French Foreign Minister, Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, soliciting France’s aid and support, he met with success. The French were eager to thwart Britain’s imperial ambitions and to restore French pride. There was also widespread sympathy in France for America’s desire for liberty and self-determination. The American Revolution was perceived as the incarnation of the Enlightenment against “English tyranny.” After all, it would not be long before France would have its own revolution.
All this contributed to the fast friendship that formed between Vergennes and Franklin.