It was ok. I couldn't figure it out. He would do all these things and never get paid. And I still don't know why he got arrested every time he put on a play. I though the French were always on the side of the American's from the start in the Revolousion.
have a great and sober day
barb from sunny san francisco
Good question. There is no indication that Beaumarchais lost money in the deal. He was rewarded by Louis XVI and his civil rights (lost during a preceding trial) were reinstated.
Beaumarchais wasa progressive intellectual who managed to offend the King in spite (or because) of his close ties to the Royal family.
Beaumarchais was instrumental in persuading Louis XVI that France could gain by helping the American Revolution. So the idea was popular (1) with the King and the state of France as well as (2) the progressive intellectuals who favoured the political ideals that would lead to a democratic revolution in France.
The debts incurred by France during the American Revolution also led to political unrest in France and a lot of the expenses that were blamed on the Queen's elaborate lifestyle (during the French Revolution) were really incurred in support of the American Revolution.
From Wikipedia:
The company in operation
Beaumarchais, working as a secret agent, had traveled to the Virginia colony to discover how to best strike back against England. After meeting with Virginian businessman Arthur Lee he suggested to his government that it encourage the rebellion in the Thirteen colonies by sending secret military aid disguised as a loan. Beaumarchais believed England's economy would be significantly crippled without the thirteen colonies. Louis XVI and Vergennes agreed. Spain wanted revenge and promised to provide matching contributions. Both states were unwilling to openly show their support, at least until after the rebellion was successful. Beaumarchais was granted 1 million livres from France and 1 million livres from Spain in May 1776 to start Roderigue Hortalez and Company to secretly fund the Revolution.
Before the Declaration of Independence was even signed, weapons and other necessities were already flowing. Muskets, cannons, cannon balls, gunpowder, bombs, mortars, tents and enough clothing for 30,000 men were sent. This assistance kept American hopes alive during the spring of 1776.
Opposition
The only major opposition to the plan came from French minister of finance Baron Turgot. He insisted that American independence would occur whether or not France financed the rebellion. He said the funding would add to the already heavy burden of a general French military and naval buildup and would lead to bankruptcy. Turgot eventually resigned in protest.
Benoît A. Racine
Toronto (Ontario) CANADA
Turgot was right!
shareThe problem with a film about the life of Beaumarchais is that he didn't have one -- he had many! Playwright, financier, inventor, musician, diplomat, spy, publisher, horticulturist, arms dealer, satirist. There just isn't time to cover them all, or explain them in sufficient detail. Really should have been a mini-series.
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