At 70 years old, Benjamin Franklin boarded a ship on a mission that could make or break a new nation.

On October 26, 1776, just months after the Declaration of Independence, Franklin set sail for France aboard the Continental warship Reprisal. His task: persuade one of Europe's great powers to back the American cause.

Famous across Europe as a scientist and writer, Franklin charmed Paris. His efforts helped produce the 1778 Treaty of Alliance, which brought French money, troops and ships into the war, aid that proved decisive.

Do you think the Revolution could have succeeded without France's help?

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