U.S. Territorial Expansion: Treaty of Paris (1783) - Essay Example

For instance, the British Colonists were dissatisfied by the Great Britain’s rule, as they did not serve their best interest. This led to war that only came to an end after signing of the treaty of Paris in 1783. Various diplomats like Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and John Jay, among others, negotiated this treaty. The United States acquired various territories in various manners, and there were long-term and short-term consequences on the acquisition of this land by the U.S. This treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, the year that marked the end of the America’s fight for Independence.

Afterwards, the United States became an independent nation. The treaty necessitated that Great Britain surrender as Stock (2008) notes: All claims to the government, property and territorial rights” within the boundaries of the new confederation…Great Britain not only relinquished the title to its thirteen former colonies but also sovereignty over the area from New England West to Mississippi River and South to East and West of Florida. ( p.149). Behind this treaty, various diplomatic leaders had channeled their efforts geared towards free the thirteen states from the British political and economic influence.

A series of events led to the signing of this treaty. These events send the first signal that with the fact that the British Colonists in North America were dissatisfied with the British rule. This is because Great Britain failed to represent their needs and the British colonists argued that Great Britain could not govern them well overseas. This was consequent on war that stared in 1775 when Great Britain exerted their military muscle on America by sending British soldiers to maintain order as well as gain control.

There was friction among them and the British colonists’ soldiers that sparked the American Revolution War that lasted for eight years. Nations like France, Spain among others joined the North Americans. As a result, the Declaration of Independence was drafted in 1776 and later in 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed. This marked the end of the American Revolution War. Moreover, the treaty ensured not only the sovereignty but also the independence of the U.S (Paris & Paris, 2009). One of the short-term consequences entailed the fact that the there were no more restriction on the navigation of all concerned parties on the River Mississippi, starting from its source up to the ocean.

These parties include Great Britain subjects, United States citizens among others. Yet another short-term consequence encompassed the requirement of the American debtors to recoup the British lenders what they owed them. The treaty enshrined this condition as an essential requirement. Thus, both the British and the American creditors were assured that there would be no law impediment that would obstruct them in an attempt to recover everything as the Independent hall association calls it: “full value in sterling money of all bona fide debts heretofore contracted” (Independent Hall Association, 2012).

However, it is worth noting that not all states complied. Moreover, the United States entered into an agreement with the Great Britain that they would terminate all the reprisals against its loyalists, in addition to returning their property. Other short-term consequences included the fact that Britain withdrew its protection of America from the attack by pirates in the Mediterranean Sea, respective states defied the federal requirement to restitute the impounded Loyalists property, others maintained the laws that required the debtors to refuse settlement of their debts, and British soldiers did not refused to remove their slaves. In