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Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in obtaining French backing for the American cause and forging the Franco-American Alliance in 1778.  Due to Franklin's efforts as an ambassador to France, and the inspiration of the colonies' victory at Saratoga, France recognized the colonies' independence, entered into a military alliance with the colonies, and renounced its territory east of the Mississippi as well as Bermuda.  Franklin, it is worth noting, had other significant achievements that included writing Poor Richard's Almanac, inventing the Franklin stove for heating, and starting the first library.   

Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in obtaining French backing for the American cause and forging the Franco-American Alliance in 1778.  Due to Franklin's efforts as an ambassador to France, and the inspiration of the colonies' victory at Saratoga, France recognized the colonies' independence, entered into a military alliance with the colonies, and renounced its territory east of the Mississippi as well as Bermuda.  Franklin, it is worth noting, had other significant achievements that included writing Poor Richard's Almanac, inventing the Franklin stove for heating, and starting the first library.   

Despite the alliance with the French and the northern victories by the patriots (Americans), the British were still beating the patriots badly in the South.  The British captured Charleston in 1780, taking 5,500 soldiers and huge amounts of weapons.  Finally, the patriots installed General [[Nathanael Greene]], one of the revolution's best generals.  He started inflicting heavy casualties on the British, and they retreated from the Carolinas to Yorktown, VA.

Despite the alliance with the French and the northern victories by the patriots (Americans), the British were still beating the patriots badly in the South.  The British captured Charleston in 1780, taking 5,500 soldiers and huge amounts of weapons.  Finally, the patriots installed General [[Nathanael Greene]], one of the revolution's best generals.  He started inflicting heavy casualties on the British, and they retreated from the Carolinas to Yorktown, Virginia.

In May 1781, the French arrived with two fleets, and trapped the British at Yorktown, Virginia.  They were forced to surrender their entire army of 8,000.  But the British still held New York, and did not finally sign a peace treaty until February 1783.   

In May 1781, the French arrived with two fleets, and trapped the British at Yorktown, Virginia.  They were forced to surrender their entire army of 8,000.  But the British still held New York, and did not finally sign a peace treaty until February 1783.