Treaty of Paris (1783)

The Treaty of Paris of 1783, signed on 3 September 1783, formally ended the American Revolutionary War between the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Thirteen Colonies in North America who had rebelled against British rule in 1776. Great Britain signed ancillary treaties with France and Spain as the Treaties of Versailles of 1783.

The agreement

The treaty document was signed by David Hartley (a member of the British Parliament representing the British Monarch, King George III), John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay (representing the United States).

Related Topics:
David Hartley - British Parliament - British Monarch - King George III - John Adams - Benjamin Franklin - John Jay

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On September 3, Britain also signed separate agreements with France, Spain, and the Netherlands which had been negotiated earlier. In the treaty with Spain, Britain recognized Spanish rule over several territories seized by the Spaniards during the war. The colonies of East and West Florida were ceded to Spain without any clearly defined northern boundary, resulting in disputed territory resolved with the Treaty of Madrid (1795). Spain also reclaimed the island of Minorca and the Bahama Islands while Britain retained Gibraltar. The treaty with France mostly reinforced earlier treaties, guaranteeing fishing rights off Newfoundland.

Related Topics:
France - Spain - Netherlands - East - West Florida - Disputed territory - Treaty of Madrid (1795) - Minorca - Bahama Islands - Gibraltar - Newfoundland

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The American Continental Congress ratified the treaty on January 14, 1784. Britain ratification occurred on 9 April 1784 and ratifications exchanged on 12 May 1784. Although Britain's ratification and the exchange were not within the six-month deadline specified by the treaty, this had no effect on the honoring of the treaty. The delay was partly caused by transportation difficulties.

Related Topics:
Continental Congress - January 14 - 1784 - 9 April - 12 May

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