The international context: the part played by France, diplomacy and sea power; the part played by Spain
France and Spain both joined the war against Britain, giving the Americans vital military and financial support. Their involvement turned a colonial rebellion into a global conflict that Britain could not easily win.
Real World
France's open entry into the war in 1778, followed by Spain in 1779, forced Britain to redeploy naval forces to the Caribbean and Mediterranean, directly weakening its ability to supply and reinforce troops in America.
Exam Focus
Treat French and Spanish involvement as separate factors with distinct motivations; conflating them loses marks for precision.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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