You're listening to an Airwave Media Podcast. Hello and thank you for joining the American Revolution.

Today episode 180 John Paul Jones raids Whitehaven.

France's decision to enter the war with Britain drastically change this situation for the Americans who were already in Europe.

Up until that time, the American diplomats

and naval officers had to dance around French efforts

to keep the peace with Britain,

while at the same time trying to provoke as much trouble as possible.

Britain finally declared war on France after France signed the Treaty of Alliance in early 1778.

Once they were at war, American warships could unleash unrestricted warfare

against Britain and use French ports for repairs and safe harbor. Of course, the Declaration of War also meant that the British

fleet would be on high alert and would dominate the waters around Britain

against any potential enemies.

One of those enemies was a young man seeking to make a name for himself in the Continental

Navy by the name of John Paul Jones.

Since Jones later becomes affectionately known as the father of the US Navy, we should take a moment to understand where he came from.

John Paul was born to a Scottish family near the border between England and Scotland.

His family's surname was Paul.

He added Jones later for reasons that I will address in a moment.

His father was a gardener on a large estate,

although probably a more accurate title today would be landscape architect.

He managed the construction and maintenance of large elaborate gardens for a wealthy lord. John Paul had no interest in the family business and

wanted to become an officer in the British Navy.

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