bonjour
there was est suivi d'un nom au singulier
there were est suivi d'un nom au pluriel
There was a big party for Halloween at the White House.
There were 4000 people present.
(people est un pluriel, les gens)
Children were very happy.
There was funny music.
And there were many candies, but there wasn't a christmas tree
Barak Obama was with Michelle, his wife.
But their daughters weren't there.
