Second Treaty of Paris 1783

The Treaty of Paris of 1783 marked the formal end of the American Revolutionary War. Here are the key details of the treaty:

Terms of the Treaty:

1. Recognition of American Independence:
• The British Crown formally recognized the independence of the United States.
2. Territorial Cessions:
• Britain ceded significant territorial holdings to the United States, including lands east of the Mississippi River, effectively doubling the size of the new nation.
3. Fishing Rights:
• The treaty secured fishing rights, including those to the Grand Banks, for American boats off the British-Canadian coastline.
4. Mississippi River Navigation:
• Both American and British citizens were granted navigation rights on the Mississippi River.
5. Resolution of Debts:
• The treaty provided for the resolution of American debts owed to British creditors.
6. Treatment of Loyalists:
• The treaty ensured fair treatment of American citizens who had remained loyal to Great Britain during the war.

Consequences of the Treaty:

1. Westward Expansion:
• The cession of territory east of the Mississippi River to the United States paved the way for westward expansion.
2. Ongoing Tensions:
• Despite the formal end of the war, tensions lingered as certain issues were left unresolved by the treaty.
3. Forts and Property Disputes:
• Britain held onto several forts in the former Northwest Territory, leading to continued disputes.
• Americans also confiscated property from citizens who had remained loyal to the British Crown during the war.

The Treaty of Paris of 1783 played a pivotal role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of North America, solidifying the independence of the United States and setting the stage for its growth and development as a sovereign nation.

Third Philadelphia Convention, 1787:

The Third Philadelphia Convention, also known as the Constitutional Convention, was a pivotal event in American history. Here are the key details:

1. Location and Participants:
• The convention was held at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, now known as Independence Hall. This building also witnessed the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the signing of the Articles of Confederation.
• Delegates from various states gathered to deliberate on a new system of government.
2. Purpose:
• Unlike the earlier intention of amending the Articles of Confederation, the convention aimed to create an entirely new framework of government.
3. Leadership:
• George Washington was elected as the president of the convention, providing strong leadership to the proceedings.
4. Debates and Formulation:
• Over three months of intense debate, the delegates worked to develop a federal system characterized by a sophisticated system of checks and balances.
5. Key Features of the Constitution:
   • The Constitution established a two-chambered legislature.
   • The lower house, the House of Representatives, featured proportional representation.
   • The upper house, the Senate, ensured equal representation for each state.
• Bicameral Legislature:
6. Signing and Ratification:
• On September 17, 1787, the Constitution of the United States of America was signed by 38 out of the 41 delegates present after the convention.
• Article VII dictated that the document would only become binding upon ratification by nine of the 13 states.

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 resulted in the creation of a foundational document that established the framework of the U.S. government. This Constitution has endured as one of the longest-standing written constitutions in the world, playing a central role in shaping the American political system.