Part of the ByLanderSea America 250: Road to Revolution Series

The War Was Won—But Peace Had Yet to Be Secured

The surrender of British General Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown on October 19, 1781, marked the decisive military victory of the American Revolution. For many, the war seemed over.

It wasn’t.

Although the guns had fallen silent in Virginia, Great Britain had not yet recognized the independence of its former colonies. British troops still occupied New York City, Charleston, and Savannah, and no treaty had been signed. Winning the war on the battlefield was only the beginning. Now came the equally challenging task of winning the peace.

For nearly two years, diplomats worked across the Atlantic to transform military victory into an internationally recognized nation. (I think most of us forget this piece of history.)

Diplomacy in Paris

Peace negotiations began in Paris in the spring of 1782. Representing the United States were four remarkable men: Benjamin Franklin, already admired throughout France for his scientific achievements and diplomatic skill; John Adams of Massachusetts; John Jay of New York; and later Henry Laurens of South Carolina.

Franklin had spent years cultivating France’s friendship, securing the financial aid, military assistance, and naval support that proved essential to victory at Yorktown. Now he faced an equally difficult assignment—helping negotiate favorable terms for the new nation.

The negotiations were far from simple. Although France had been America’s indispensable ally during the war, French interests did not always align perfectly with those of the United States. John Jay became convinced the Americans would secure better terms by negotiating directly with Britain. John Adams agreed. Franklin, recognizing the importance of maintaining unity among the American commissioners, eventually supported the decision. The negotiations were delicate, sometimes tense, but ultimately successful.

A Remarkably Favorable Peace

On September 3, 1783, representatives of the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris. Its terms exceeded nearly everyone’s expectations.

Great Britain formally recognized the independence of the United States. The new nation gained territory stretching from the Atlantic Ocean west to the Mississippi River and from Canada south to Spanish Florida. Americans retained valuable fishing rights off Newfoundland and agreed that pre-war debts would be honored. The treaty also recommended restitution for Loyalists whose property had been confiscated during the war, although enforcement varied from state to state.

Historians have often described the agreement as one of the most favorable peace treaties ever granted to a victorious former colony. The United States emerged not only independent but with abundant land and extraordinary opportunities for growth.

Yorktown had won the war. Paris secured the peace.

Following the Story Today

One of the pleasures of writing this Road to Revolution series has been visiting many of the places where history unfolded. You can see the actual document at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Although the treaty bears the name “Treaty of Paris,” surprisingly little marks the exact site where negotiations took place. The American commissioners met at the Hôtel d’York on Rue Jacob, where the building still stands as a private residence. During my upcoming visit to Paris, I hope to stand outside that historic address and imagine Franklin, Adams, and Jay negotiating the future of a new nation.

Last summer, I visited the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, Massachusetts, where John and Abigail Adams eventually retired after decades of public service. Their beloved home, Peacefield, reflected the quieter life Adams longed for after years spent helping build a nation through both war and diplomacy. Walking through its rooms, it was easy to forget that this peaceful gentleman had once helped negotiate one of the most significant treaties in American history.

History has a way of connecting places separated by hundreds of miles. I love that.

Did You Know?

Although the Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783, British troops did not evacuate New York City until November 25, 1783. Known today as Evacuation Day, the British departure marked the final withdrawal of British forces from the United States.

Looking Ahead

The Treaty of Paris formally ended the Revolutionary War and secured America’s independence. Yet one final chapter remained before the Revolution truly came to a close.

George Washington had led the Continental Army through eight long years of war. Like John Adams, he desired nothing more than to return home and resume the quiet life he had left behind. Many expected him to remain at the head of the army—or even seize political power. Instead, he performed an act that astonished the world.

He voluntarily resigned his commission, surrendered his military authority to Congress, and returned to Mount Vernon. His greatest victory did not come on the battlefield. It would come in walking away from power.

In my next post,  I will take you on a tour of George and Martha Washington’s home, Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia. It holds many memories as I grew up near there and have visited many times.