What Land Was Gained in the Treaty of Paris 1783?

By Michael Ferguson

The Treaty of Paris 1783, signed on September 3, 1783, marked the end of the American Revolutionary War and established the United States as an independent nation. This historic treaty not only recognized American independence but also defined the land boundaries of the new nation. Let’s take a closer look at the territories gained by the United States in this treaty.

The Eastern Border

One of the major gains for the United States in the Treaty of Paris was the establishment of its eastern border. The treaty stated that the border would run along the Atlantic coast from New Brunswick in Canada to Florida. This meant that all land east of this line would now belong to the United States.

The Northern Border

Moving towards the north, another significant gain for America was its northern border. The Treaty of Paris defined this border as running along what is now Canada’s southern boundary. This meant that areas such as present-day Maine, Vermont, and parts of New Hampshire were officially recognized as part of the United States.

The Western Border

The western border was one of the most significant gains for America in terms of territorial expansion. The treaty defined this border as running along a line drawn from Lake Ontario through Lake Erie to Lake Huron and then down to Lake Michigan. From there, it continued along a line extending due south from Lake Michigan until it reached what is now northern Indiana.

Important Landmarks Along the Western Border:

  • Great Lakes: The United States gained access to four out of five Great Lakes: Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Michigan.
  • Ohio River: The western border followed part of this major river system that flows into the Mississippi River.
  • Mississippi River: While not part of the Treaty of Paris, the Mississippi River became a vital trade route for the United States, and its western bank effectively acted as an unofficial border.

The Southern Border

The southern border of the United States as defined by the Treaty of Paris was perhaps the most contentious. The treaty stated that it would run from Florida along the 31st parallel to the Mississippi River. However, the exact location of this parallel was disputed and led to later negotiations and treaties.

Spanish Florida:

One notable outcome of these negotiations was Spain’s cession of Florida to the United States in 1819 through the Adams-Onís Treaty. This further solidified America’s control over its southern territories.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Treaty of Paris 1783 brought significant territorial gains for the United States. It established clear boundaries and secured American independence. The eastern coast, northern regions, western territories including access to Great Lakes and major river systems, and eventually parts of present-day Florida were all added to American soil through this historic treaty.

It is crucial to understand these territorial gains as they laid the foundation for America’s growth as a nation and shaped its future expansion.