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In 1778, the colonial rebellion in North America
became an international war. After learning of the American victory
at Saratoga, France signed the Treaty
of Alliance with the United States on February
6, 1778.
Spain entered the war as an ally of France in June 1779, a renewal
of the Bourbon
Family Compact.
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Unlike France, Spain refused to recognize the
independence of the United States—Spain was not keen on
encouraging similar rebellions in the Spanish
Empire. The Netherlands also became a combatant in 1780. All
three countries had quietly provided financial assistance to the
American rebels since the beginning of the war, hoping to dilute
Britain's emerging superpower
status.
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