
audiobook
by Thomas Balch
The work offers a detailed look at the French role in the American struggle for independence, beginning with the political and economic roots that pushed France toward involvement. It walks listeners through the early years of the conflict, summarizing key events up to 1781 and following the French expedition led by the Count de Rochambeau as it moves across the colonies. The narrative is grounded in meticulous research, with the author citing original documents, maps of troop encampments, and even reproductions of contemporary financial notes.
Beyond the battlefield, the book shines a light on the men who answered France’s call—providing concise histories of the regiments that served and biographical sketches of volunteers who fought alongside American forces. Their letters and memoirs also reveal everyday life in the fledgling United States, offering a vivid picture of the society they encountered. Listeners will appreciate the careful scholarship that brings together rare sources and firsthand accounts, making this the first extensive study of France’s contribution to the war.
Language
fr
Duration
~8 hours (495K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Credits: Tonya Allen, Renald Levesque and PG Distributed Proofreaders. This file was produced from images generously made available by gallica (Bibliothèque nationale de France) at http://gallica.bnf.fr.
Release date
2004-03-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1821–1877
Best known for a major study of the American Revolution, he was a 19th-century historian and lawyer whose work helped highlight France’s role in the fight for U.S. independence. He was also remembered later as an early advocate of international arbitration.
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