srt101fan

The Treaty of Paris, signed on this day in 1783, officially ended the Revolutionary War. Britain and other nations accepted the United States as an independent nation and the treaty established our initial borders as a country.

Why isn't this day held in higher regard as a cause for celebration? Methinks it deserves a few festive cheers, agree?

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Nah, that was just tidying up the paperwork. July 4, 1776 was sexier and more Tweet-worthy 😊

srt101fan

I wonder if Washington, Franklin et al would agree with you!?

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

During their lives the celebration was of the "Declaration of Independence" and July - the only controversy was should it be the day it was proposed, the day they voted, the day signing started (all did not sign at the same time) or the day it was proclaimed which was July 4.

The document and its ideas is the important thing and the date incidental but today a very firmly established tradition of July 4.

Remember the Continental Congress took the step of the Declaration of Independence on their own and with a memorable document to go with it.

The victory and the treaty involved major support from other nations, esp France. The treaty was negotiated and signed in Paris under the direct eye of the French government who had a large say in what went into the treaty through their backing of the American negotiators.
Also that treaty is hardly on a level with the Declaration as a document being a lot of nit picking details as to borders etc.

Almost forgot, by that date the American Independence was more or less an established thing with the remaining British forces in a few bases which they seldom ventured out of in any numbers. So the treaty was just putting the admission by the British Empire on paper.

Think of the Declaration of Independence as a great ongoing proclamation and the Treaty of Paris as the period at the end of the last sentence.

srt101fan

Your insights as a history teacher are much appreciated, Robert. Your comments give academic endorsement to Linda's hilarious assessment that the treaty "was just tidying up the paperwork" and "July 4, 1776 was sexier and more Tweet-worthy". But your reference to the treaty as being the "period at the end of the last sentence" of the Declaration of Independence seems a bit harsh!

Anyway, I'll raise a glass to the gang that pulled it all together in Paris! And maybe next July 4 I'll raise two.....

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Well yeah, and as it turned out it wasn't really the last sentence. Between the British NOT leaving all their forts and trading posts in the North West Territories/Great Lakes region and supplying and encouraging the various tribes in opposition to the US plus the "fire breathers" who wanted to try and "correct the mistake" of not getting part or all of what is now Canada as part of the new nation we had round two in 1812. Well the little things about free trade and impressment of seaman off US ships by the Royal Navy contributed to the hot tempers also.

PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon

There’s a series at present on BBC Radio 4 called From Mayflower to the Moon that’s fascinating.

andesbill

In 2020, any reason to celebrate should be welcomed as the treat it is. Raise a glass and toast better days tomorrow.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'll drink to that!

Dannj

I’ll drink to that🍻

srt101fan

I'm trying to think of an appropriate beer - would "Sam Adams" do?

srt101fan

From Wikipedia:
Treaty of Paris, by Benjamin West (1783), depicts the United States delegation at the Treaty of Paris (left to right): John Jay, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Henry Laurens, and William Temple Franklin. The British delegation refused to pose, and the painting was never completed.

Dannj

Works for me!

Alafoto Loc: Montgomery, AL

Being dead, those august folks no longer have a vote or voice.