ABSTRACT
The state of European politics at the end of the year 1777 determined the fate of the American struggle for independence. By the end of the first week in October, the British, already firmly planted in possession of New York City, had defeated Washington at the Brandywine, had occupied Philadelphia, driving Congress from its capital to seek refuge in the village of York, and had repulsed Washington from Germantown. The French nation was at that instant divided into three parties: First, the out-and-out American sympathizers. Second, those who from hereditary enmity to England wished the revolted Colonies well, but hesitated to give open aid and comfort. Third, the Conservative party, which could see no good whatever in any revolt of a dependency against a monarchy, and which abhorred the doctrines of republicanism, no matter where or by whom maintained. The Opportunists threw off all disguise, cast away all caution, and vied with the others in demanding an American alliance.
