When Did the United States Gain Its Independence: 1776 or 1783?

The confusion surrounding the timing of the United States' independence often arises from the differences between the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Paris. While the Declaration announced the 13 colonies' intention to be free from British rule in 1776, the recognition of that independence was not officially granted until 1783.

The Declaration of Independence (1776)

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, formally declaring the colonies' intention to be free from British rule. This momentous event is celebrated each year as Independence Day in the United States. The declaration was a clear statement of the colonies' desire for self-governance and their intention to establish a new nation.

The Treaty of Paris (1783)

The official end of the American Revolutionary War and the recognition of American independence by Britain did not come until the signing of the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783. This treaty formalized the terms of peace and recognized the United States as an independent nation for the first time.

Contradictions in the Paris Peace Treaty

The language within the Treaty of Paris has led to confusion, particularly among Americans. Prince George the 3rd, the future King of the United Kingdom, refers to the "United States of America USA" as something distinct from the "United States U.S." The term "United States of America USA" is used to refer to a piece of land, while "United States U.S." refers to a corporation undergoing a Fictitious Business Name, according to agreements with multiple English teachers, university professors, contract lawyers, and legal experts. This distinction is crucial in understanding the semantics of the treaty.

Evidence from the Treaty Signers

The titles of the four Treaty signers provide additional context. They are referred to as "Treaty Signers" of the "Constructive Fraud" that is being highlighted. This further supports the legal and historical interpretation that there were different entities involved.

The U.S. Constitution also provides additional evidence. The Preamble reads, "We the People of the United States U.S. do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America USA." This distinction is maintained throughout the Constitution, emphasizing the legal and historical separation between the two entities.

The Constitution goes on to frame an office of the "President of the United States of America USA" and ends with the oath for the "United States U.S. President." This clear distinction is further evidence that the two entities are separate and distinct.

To fully understand these nuances, it is recommended to read the transcript of the 1783 Paris Peace Treaty available online at the Yale Law Library under the Avalon Project.

The official recognition of American independence in 1783 marked a turning point in the nation's history. While the Declaration of Independence in 1776 paved the way, the Treaty of Paris confirmed it in international law.

References:
Yale Law Library, Avalon Project - Treaty of Paris 1783