Today in History: Preliminary Articles of Peace Ratified
Today in History–April 15–the Library of Congress features the Continental Congress ratification of the preliminary articles of peace with Great Britain on this date in 1783. Negotiations to conclude the Revolutionary War had begun a year earlier. “International intrigue and intense negotiation preceded the formulation of these preliminary articles.” The final, formal treaty was signed on September 3, 1783 and guaranteed U.S. independence as well as awarding the territory between the 13 colonies and the Mississippi River. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to find out more about the Continental Congress.
A proclamation, declaring the cessation of arms . . . between the United States of America and His Britannic Majesty April 11, 1783
Preliminary articles of peace with Great Britain ending the Revolutionary War April 15, 1783
Congress, May 26, 1783, Peace Treaty with Great Britain
Definitive Articles of the Peace of Paris, January 14, 1784 (signed September 3, 1783)
Preliminary Articles of Peace, January 20, 1783 – For Teachers
Definitive Articles of the Peace of Paris, January 14, 1784 – For Teachers
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789
More Revolutionary War primary source collections & teaching resources