key term - Treaty of Paris

Definition

The Treaty of Paris refers to several agreements made at different times in history, the most significant being those that ended the American Revolutionary War and the Spanish-American War. These treaties marked important turning points in U.S. history by defining territorial boundaries, establishing international recognition of sovereignty, and influencing future foreign relations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Paris (1783) officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized the independence of the United States.
2. The treaty established borders for the new nation, extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and from Canada to Florida.
3. In the Treaty of Paris (1898), Spain ceded control of its territories in the Caribbean and Pacific to the United States after its defeat in the Spanish-American War.
4. The Treaty of Paris (1783) set a precedent for future treaties, emphasizing negotiation and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.
5. Both treaties significantly expanded U.S. territory, allowing for future westward expansion and influencing American foreign policy.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Paris (1783) shape the territorial boundaries of the newly formed United States?
  • The Treaty of Paris (1783) was pivotal in shaping the territorial boundaries of the United States by officially recognizing its independence from Britain. It defined borders that extended from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and from Canada to Florida. This expansion was crucial as it laid the groundwork for westward expansion, influencing U.S. policies and interactions with Native American tribes and other nations.
• Discuss the impact of the Treaty of Paris (1898) on U.S. imperialism and its role on the global stage.
  • The Treaty of Paris (1898) marked a significant moment in U.S. imperialism by ceding control of former Spanish territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. This transition transformed America into a colonial power, allowing it to assert its influence not just in North America but also across the Caribbean and Pacific regions. The treaty signaled a shift in U.S. foreign policy from isolationism toward more active engagement in global affairs.
• Evaluate how both Treaties of Paris reflect changes in U.S. foreign policy from independence through imperialism.
  • Both Treaties of Paris illustrate a transformation in U.S. foreign policy from seeking independence and establishing sovereignty to engaging in imperialist ambitions. The 1783 treaty focused on securing recognition and defined territorial limits essential for nation-building, while the 1898 treaty represented a departure from those initial principles toward acquiring overseas territories. This evolution highlights how America moved from protecting its sovereignty to expanding its influence internationally, reshaping its role on the world stage.

Related terms

American Revolutionary War:

The conflict between the Thirteen American Colonies and Great Britain from 1775 to 1783 that led to the founding of the United States.

Spanish-American War:

A conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, resulting in the U.S. gaining territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself or another state, crucial for establishing international relations following conflicts.