[The Treaty of Paris] The Definitive Treaty between Great Britain, and the United States
of America, Signed at Paris, the 3d Day of September 1783
Artifact IDTL 2026.1.47
Object Type
Temporary Loan
Date
1783
Place MadeParis, France
Medium
Book
DimensionsOverall W 8 in x D 9 1/8 in (20.3 cm x 23.2 cm)
Physical DescriptionThe Definitive Treaty between Great Britain, and the United States of America, Signed at Paris, the 3d Day of September 1783 ([Paris: Pierres for Franklin], 1783).
The title page, dated 1783 in Roman numerals (M.DCC.LXXXIII.), features an early rendering of the Great Seal of the United States, showcasing the American bald eagle bearing a shield, an olive branch, and arrows.
The title page, dated 1783 in Roman numerals (M.DCC.LXXXIII.), features an early rendering of the Great Seal of the United States, showcasing the American bald eagle bearing a shield, an olive branch, and arrows.
Historical NoteThe Treaty of Paris, 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. The American Revolution 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 –achieved many of the objectives sought by the new 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. Native Americans, who had fought on both sides during the war, were stunned to learn that neither the United States nor Britain made accommodations for them, and that their lands had been turned over to the colonists.
Additional DetailsThe three American negotiators – John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay –achieved many of the objectives sought by the new 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. Native Americans, who had fought on both sides during the war, were stunned to learn that neither the United States nor Britain made accommodations for them, and that their lands had been turned over to the colonists.
Credit Lineon loan courtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPolitical Memorabilia (National Archives Identifier 1677287)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction NoteThe use of this image and document information is fully restricted. Reproduction in any manner is not allowed.Not on view