The End of the War and the Treaty of Paris

Fast Facts: War’s End

Treaty of Paris

• Final Battle: Yorktown (1781)
• Treaty Signed: 1783
• U.S. Borders: Atlantic to Mississippi River
• British Recognition: U.S. independence
• Key Leaders: Franklin, Adams, Jay

End of War at a Glance

• Yorktown ended major fighting.
• Peace talks began in Europe.
• Britain recognized U.S. independence.
• New borders expanded westward.
• The war officially ended in 1783.

Victory at Yorktown

By 1781, the British Army was struggling to control the colonies. General Cornwallis moved his troops to Yorktown, Virginia, hoping to rest and receive supplies. Instead, American and French forces surrounded the town. The French navy blocked the harbor, cutting off escape by sea. Cornwallis surrendered, ending major fighting in the war.

Beginning Peace Talks

Even though the fighting stopped after Yorktown, the war was not officially over. Leaders from the United States and Great Britain began peace talks in Paris. The American team included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay. Their goal was to gain independence and secure fair borders for the new nation.

The Treaty of Paris

In 1783, both sides agreed to the Treaty of Paris. Britain recognized the United States as a free and independent nation. The treaty also set new borders. The United States now stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and from Canada to Spanish Florida.

Promises in the Treaty

The treaty included several important promises. The United States agreed to return property taken from Loyalists—colonists who had supported Britain. Britain agreed to remove its troops from American territory. Both sides promised to respect the new borders.

A New Nation Begins

With the signing of the Treaty of Paris, the American Revolution officially ended. The thirteen colonies became the United States of America. The new nation now faced the challenge of creating a government, building an economy, and uniting people with different ideas and experiences. The end of the war marked the beginning of a new chapter in history.

The End of the War and the Treaty of Paris Quiz

Activities & Extensions

Make Hardtack

Students learn about the harsh conditions soldiers faced during the winter at Valley Forge by making hardtack, a simple and long‑lasting food eaten by Continental soldiers.

Ingredients: Flour and water

Directions:

• Mix flour and water to form a soft dough.
• Knead for about 10 minutes until elastic.
• Roll to ½‑inch thickness and cut with a biscuit cutter.
• Prick each biscuit with a fork.
• Bake at 450° for seven minutes.

Students compare the texture and taste to modern foods and reflect on what it would be like to eat hardtack daily during the war.

John Paul Jones & the Bonhomme Richard

Students learn more about John Paul Jones, one of the most famous naval commanders of the American Revolution, known for his bold declaration, “I have not yet begun to fight!”

After reading or watching a short biography, students create a model of the Bonhomme Richard using cardboard, craft sticks, clay, or other materials.

Students may label key parts of the ship or create a display card describing its role in the war and its battle with the HMS Serapis.

Revolutionary War Battle Diorama

Students choose a major battle from the Revolutionary War—such as Yorktown, Saratoga, Trenton, or Cowpens—and create a shoebox diorama showing key elements of the battle.

Suggested elements:

• Terrain features (rivers, hills, fortifications)
• Uniformed soldiers or figures
• Flags or markers for troop positions
• A short written explanation of the battle’s significance

This project helps students visualize the strategies and turning points that led to the Treaty of Paris and the end of the war.