This treaty, signed on September 3, 1783, between the American colonies and Great Britain, ended the American Revolution and formally recognized the United States as an independent nation.

Question

The American War for Independence (1775-1783) was actually a world conflict, involving not only the United States and Great Britain, but also France, Spain, and the Netherlands. The peace process brought a nascent United States into the arena of international diplomacy, playing against the largest and most established powers on earth.

The three American negotiators-John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay-proved themselves ready for the world stage, achieving many of the objectives sought by the now United States. Two crucial provisions of the treaty were British recognition of U.S. independence and the delineation of boundaries that would allow for American western expansion

The treaty is named for the city in which it was negotiated and signed. The last page bears the signatures of David Hartley, who represented Great Britain, and the three American negotiators, who signed their names in alphabetical order.

Multiple treaty documents, however, can be considered as originals. In this case, the United States and British representatives signed at least three originals, two of which are in the holdings of the National Archives. On one of the signed originals the signatures and wax seals are arranged horizontally, on the other they are arranged vertically. In addition, handwritten certified copies were made for the use of Congress. Some online transcriptions of the treaty omit Delaware from the list of former colonies, but the original text does list Delaware.

Describe any controversy
List all parties who were fighting (example colonists Great Britain King political groups)
Name at least one individual involved and how they were involved in the event
Make a paragraph

Answer 1

The Treaty of Paris, signed on September 3, 1783, marked the end of the American Revolution but was not without its controversies. One significant point of contention was the treatment of Loyalists, or those colonists who had remained loyal to the British crown during the conflict. The treaty did not explicitly protect Loyalist property rights, leading to widespread confiscation and persecution, which in turn fostered divisions within American society that persisted long after the treaty was signed. Additionally, the boundaries established by the treaty raised questions regarding westward expansion and relations with Native American tribes, who were not represented in the negotiations.

The primary parties involved in the war included the American colonists, represented by their leaders and allies, and Great Britain, led by King George III and his government. Additionally, significant involvement from foreign powers such as France, Spain, and the Netherlands was critical to the American cause, as both military and financial support from these nations bolstered the colonists' fight for independence.

Among the key individuals involved in the signing of the treaty was Benjamin Franklin, who served as one of the chief American negotiators. Franklin was instrumental in securing French support during the war, and his diplomatic skills were vital in the negotiations that led to the signing of the treaty. His participation symbolized not only the achievement of independence for the United States but also the successful entrance of the new nation into the sphere of international diplomacy.

In conclusion, the Treaty of Paris represented both a monumental success in the quest for American independence and a source of ongoing contention regarding the treatment of Loyalists, westward expansion, and the rights of Native Americans. The involvement of key figures such as Benjamin Franklin highlighted the complexities and diplomatic efforts required to achieve such a formative agreement.