The Letter That Ended a War: End of the American Revolution

On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed by the British Empire and the American Revolutionary forces. This treaty officially ended the American Revolutionary War with the British recognizing American independence. This treaty marked a significant moment in history, as it recognized the independence of the United States from Great Britain and became one of the first republics in the modern world.

The Letter That Began the American Experiment

After years of fighting in the 13 colonies, the British were exhausted by war and their defeat at York Town finally convinced them to sue for peace. The peace negotiations were held in Paris where both sides discussed terms. Eventually, the British Empire agreed to the American terms of recognizing the 13 colonies’ independence as the United States of America.

This treaty was signed on September 3, 1783, and called the Treaty of Paris. The agreement officially ended the American Revolutionary War and marked the United States as a new country. This monumental event was not just because it led to the creation of a new nation, it was also a democratic experiment.

At the time, America was the first democratic government to exist in the Western World for many centuries. This meant its liberation would mark the testing grounds for Democracy.

This significance was not lost on the treaty signatories, including John Adams, one of America’s chief diplomats. After the treaty was signed, he wrote a letter to Congress describing the significance of their agreement. It is a rare glimpse into the minds of those involved in this momentous occasion.

The road to independence was long and hard for the United States Government and its success was far from certain there was a time when it seemed like the British would defeat America such as the battle of Long Island where George Washington was defeated.

After this defeat, George Washington penned a letter explaining the criticalness of the situation.

“The definitive treaties were signed on the 3rd of this month, and the ratifications are to be exchanged in six weeks. Thus the great and glorious event is finally accomplished, and I am thus at liberty to return to America when Congress shall think proper to recall me.”

John Adams, Former President of the United States Government

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