Thank you, France, Spain, Holland, and Mysore! We couldn't have done it without you!

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

Well, maybe we could, but it would take longer.

Holland recognized the USA first. France, along with the Netherlands and Spain, liked that we were a thorn in Britain’s side and provided material support, but France also provided soldiers and something we sorely lacked, a navy. Mysore, in India, provided another distraction for the Brits.

So thanks, guys, for helping us out in our time of need, especially since you all got the short end of the stick in it.
Note: The preceding was a gross over-simplification of geopolitics in the late 18th century, but it’s the 4th of July and I’m required by US law to be jingoistic today.

2

Actually, the first country to officially recognize the United States was the Kingdom of Morocco. The Dutch recognition had been sort of unofficial; they practiced diplomatic courtesies that implied recognition but they didn’t formally declare they recognized us.

3

Well, if you’re going to thank Mysore, don’t forget the Marathas ;).

4

I’ve never heard of Mysore before. I apologise for my geographical ignorance, India.

5

You couldn’t have done it without us, either:

*’TWAS not while England’s sword unsheathed
Put half a world to flight,
Nor while their new-built cities breathed
Secure behind her might;
Not while she poured from Pole to Line
Treasure and ships and men—
These worshippers at Freedom’s shrine
They did not quit her then!

Not till their foes were driven forth
By England o’er the main—
Not till the Frenchman from the North
Had gone with shattered Spain;
Not till the clean-swept oceans showed
No hostile flag unrolled,
Did they remember what they owed
To Freedom—and were bold!*

You’re welcome.

6

Including the Oneidas and Tuscaroras, and shortening the stick.

7

France should also thank us for bankrupting the monarchy and bringing about the French Revolution. (Well, kinda. I admit it didn’t end so well… :P)