The American Revolution ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783 , when Britain formally recognized U.S. independence.

Key Timeline

  • Military End : October 19, 1781—British General Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, marking the last major battle.
  • Preliminary Peace : November 30, 1782—Initial articles signed, halting hostilities.
  • Formal Treaty : September 3, 1783—Full agreement ratified, setting U.S. boundaries and ending the war.

Why Multiple Dates?

Historians distinguish phases: Yorktown shifted momentum, but peace talks dragged on amid global alliances (e.g., France's involvement). The 1783 treaty resolved borders from the Atlantic to the Mississippi, though skirmishes lingered briefly.

Event| Date| Significance 13
---|---|---
Yorktown Surrender| Oct 19, 1781| Decisive American/French victory; Britain loses major forces.
Preliminary Articles| Nov 30, 1782| Ceasefire agreed; fighting stops.
Treaty of Paris| Sep 3, 1783| Official end; independence secured.

Modern Perspectives

Recent discussions (as of 2026) frame the Revolution as ongoing in spirit, influencing debates on federal power. No major new findings alter the 1783 consensus.

TL;DR : Official end was September 3, 1783, via Treaty of Paris.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.