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.

Honorable John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Henry Laurens, and Thomas Jefferson … with Richard Oswald … did conclude and sign on the part of the United States of America and the crown of Great-Britain Nov. 30, 1782

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