Treaty of Paris

The Treaty of Paris was signed September 3, 1783, by representatives of England and the United States. It officially ended the American Revolution (1775–83). The treaty set the terms of relations between the two countries following the establishment of independence by the American colonies. On the same day as it signed the Treaty of Paris, England also signed two other treaties—the Treaties of Versailles (1783)—with America's wartime allies, France and Spain. The three treaties are known together as the Peace of Paris.

By signing the Treaty of Paris, England formally recognized that thirteen of its colonies in America had established an independent nation, the United States of America. The treaty set boundaries for the United States, generously defining the westward boundary as the Mississippi River, an important trade artery. England retained Canada, which it had won from France during the French and Indian War (1754–63).

Set national boundaries

According to the treaty, both the United States and England were to have free access to the Mississippi River, and Americans were given access to the fisheries off the coast of Newfoundland in Canada. The British agreed to evacuate all forces that remained on American soil. In return, the American diplomats in Paris recommended to Congress, the government of America, that American Loyalists be treated fairly and have their property restored. (Loyalists were Americans who had supported the British during the Revolution.) Finally, both countries agreed that they be allowed to collect their debts from the war.

The Treaty of Paris gave the United States official status as a new nation. With England's acknowledgement of a change in government in America, the United States entered the world community of nations with diplomatic rights.