Program. On behalf of our community partner. It is my pleasure to introduce tonights author tom shackman we could not be more thrilled to host tom as he discusses his new book how the french saved america. The soldiers, sailors, diplomats in the success of a revolution. Financial support and the Marquis Lafayette were only parts of frances contribution to americas success against england. And how the french saved america he makes a convincing case that without france the night seats may never had gained its independence. To the rebelling colonies in the french assistance the aide however is often downplayed in historys retelling of the event as we often like to think of our forefathers as having achieved independence all by themselves. After the declaration of independence that assistance that included the wages for our troops guns, cannon and ammunition engineering expertise that enabled victories and prevented defeat diplomatic recognition. Taught at the York University and lectured