‘How the French Saved America’ with Author Tom Shachtman

On March 25, 2021, the Newport Historical Society hosted Tom Shachtman for the virtual lecture 'How the French Saved America: Soldiers, Sailors, Diplomats, Louis XVI, and the Success of a Revolution.'

French assistance was critical to America’s fight in the Revolutionary War, but the full story of France’s involvement is not often discussed. 'How the French Saved America' details this important story, from its intrigue-laden beginnings, to the financial aid and the military ventures that were at first disastrous but were later triumphant. It features iconic figures such as Lafayette and others who are not as well-known including Louis Duportail, who founded our Corps of Engineers, the Comte de Vergennes, France’s pro-American foreign minister, and Admiral de Grasse, whose insistence on taking his fleet to Yorktown, over the objections of George Washington, produced the great Franco-American victory that ended the war.

This talk was the first in a series of programs that highlight the French presence in Newport during the Revolutionary War. Other programs will include living history presentations, both socially distanced and online, a monthly French in Newport walking tour, and virtual lectures.

To purchase a copy of this book, visit ShopNewportHistory.com.