The Treaty of Paris of 1783 was a historic agreement signed between Great Britain and the United States of America, which marked the end of the American Revolutionary War. The treaty was signed on September 3, 1783, in Paris, France, and recognized the independence of the United States as a sovereign nation. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1783 Quizlet.
Background
The American Revolutionary War began in 1775 when thirteen British colonies decided to fight for their independence from Great Britain. The war continued for several years until the decisive Battle of Yorktown in 1781, which resulted in a victory for the American Continental Army under General George Washington. After this victory, negotiations began between Great Britain and the United States to end the war.
Terms
The Treaty of Paris of 1783 had several terms that were agreed upon by both parties. Some of these terms include:
- Recognition of Independence: The Treaty recognized the independence of the United States as a sovereign nation.
- Boundaries: The boundaries between British North America and the United States were established as follows: The northern boundary was set at the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River; the western boundary was set at the Mississippi River; and the southern boundary was set at Florida.
- Return of Prisoners: All prisoners taken during the war were to be released without ransom or exchange.
- Cession of Land: Great Britain ceded all its territory east of Mississippi River to United States.
- Navigation Rights: Both countries agreed that American fishermen would have access to Newfoundland fishery.
- Repayment of Debts: American Congress would recommend the states to restore the property of loyalists and to repay the debts owed to British creditors.
Conclusion
The Treaty of Paris of 1783 was a significant moment in American history as it recognized the United States as a sovereign nation and established its boundaries. The terms of the treaty were vital in shaping the future of America as a nation. It’s essential to understand these terms to appreciate how they impacted America’s development as a country.