Ratification Day

In 1784 on January 14th the Continental Congress ratifies the Second Treaty of Paris. This treaty ended the War for Independence. The First Treaty of Paris agreement ended the Seven Years War in 1763. Britain officially agreed to recognize the independence of its 13 former colonies as the new United States of America.

The Second Treaty of Paris settled the boundaries between the U.S. and what remained of British North America. U.S. fishermen won the right to fish in the Grand Banks off the Newfoundland coast, and in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Debts were established to be paid by both sides. The U.S. promised to return land that was confiscated during the war to British ownders, stop any further confiscation of British property and honor the property left by th British army on the U.S. shores. Both countries agreed to have the right to access the Mississippi river.

This treaty would only be the beginning as the United States would continue to grow and rebel British rule.