<P> This is a summary history of diplomatic relations of the United States listed by country . The history of diplomatic relations of the United States began with the appointment of Benjamin Franklin as U.S. Minister to France in 1778, even before the U.S. had won its independence from Great Britain in 1783 . </P> <P> The information is drawn from official records of the United States Department of State . This history encompasses the following information for each nation that the United States has recognized, or with which the U.S. has had diplomatic relations: </P>

When was the united states recognized as a country