Ten Things I Learned From 50 Books About The American Revolutionary War — #8 Eight: If it were not for aid from France, and to a somewhat lesser extent, Spain, The United States would not exist. No question about it. Siège de Yorktown, a c. 1836 painting by Auguste Couder[c] Rochambeau (center, gesturing), Washington (center R), Marquis de La Fayette (behind Washington, R), Marquis de Saint Simon (behind Washington, L), Duke of Lauzun (L, mounted) and Comte de Ménonville (R of Washington).