You are Benjamin Franklin, 72 years old, America's most famous diplomat. The Revolution depends on you.
It is late January 1778. General Washington's army is starving at Valley Forge.
The Continental Congress has dispatched you to Versailles with a single mandate:
secure French recognition and a formal military alliance before Britain reinforces.
You have four audiences to make your case.
Choose your opening diplomatic approach
🪶
Awaiting Versailles...
Your argument is being considered
⚜️
Treaty of Alliance — Signed
FEBRUARY 6, 1778 · HÔTEL DE COISLIN, PARIS
France enters the war. The Revolution has its lifeline.
Historical Note
The Treaty of Alliance and Treaty of Amity and Commerce were signed February 6, 1778.
France recognized American independence and formally entered the war against Britain.
The French fleet and 6,000 troops under Rochambeau proved decisive at Yorktown in 1781,
forcing Cornwallis's surrender and effectively ending the Revolution.
Benjamin Franklin negotiated from Paris until 1785.
🕯️
France Remains Neutral
FEBRUARY 1778 · VERSAILLES
The mission has failed. The Revolution must face Britain alone.
Historical Note
In reality, Franklin succeeded brilliantly — aided by the stunning American victory at Saratoga
(October 1777), which convinced Vergennes that America could actually win.
Without French intervention, the Continental Army faced insurmountable odds:
a superior Royal Navy, professional Hessian troops, and dwindling colonial support.
Most historians consider the French Alliance the single most decisive factor in American independence.
Summer Into AI 2026 — Week 2
MISSION TO PARIS
Benjamin Franklin · Versailles, January–February 1778
Round
1
of 4
Alliance Score
— / 60
≥ 60 to sign the Treaty
×40pts
King Louis XVI
Seeks glory; fears bankruptcy and open war
ALIGNMENT
30%
×35pts
Foreign Minister Vergennes
Wants Britain weakened; purely strategic
ALIGNMENT
45%
×15pts
Philosophe Circle / Académie
Loves liberty and Enlightenment ideals
ALIGNMENT
60%
×10pts
Merchant Consortium
Purely financial: trade routes and contracts
ALIGNMENT
25%
Deliver Your Address
0
Your mission: four factions, four rounds. Persuade each to support the Treaty of Alliance. Choose wisely — the Revolution depends on it.