The End of Hostilities Proclamation: April 19, 1783

On April 19, 1783, George Washington issued a proclamation from his headquarters in Newburgh, New York, marking the cessation of hostilities with Great Britain and effectively concluding the American Revolutionary War. This marked a significant milestone in the formation of the United States as an independent nation.

Context Leading Up to the Proclamation

• Treaty of Paris Negotiations: The preliminary articles of peace were agreed upon on November 30, 1782, in Paris. However, fighting continued as the treaty awaited formal ratification and the conclusion of diplomatic negotiations.

• Congressional Resolution: The Continental Congress, informed of the progress in peace talks, had officially ratified the preliminary peace terms on April 11, 1783.

• Washington’s Headquarters: George Washington was stationed at his headquarters in Newburgh, New York, where he awaited Congress’s instructions regarding the cessation of military operations.

Key Aspects of the Proclamation

• Formal Announcement: Washington’s proclamation formally communicated to the troops and the general populace that hostilities had ceased, aligning with Congress’s earlier resolution to halt war efforts.

• Troop Morale and Discipline: The proclamation served as a vital means to maintain morale and discipline among the Continental Army, which had endured years of hardship and uncertainty.

• Alignment with the Treaty of Paris: Though hostilities were ceased, the full peace was not officially ratified until the signing of the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783, marking a formal conclusion to the war.

Broader Historical Significance

• End of Armed Conflict: The announcement marked the official end to armed conflict between the British forces and the American Continental Army, paving the way for legislative and diplomatic steps toward nation-building.

• Framework for Peace: Washington’s leadership throughout the war and his prudent management of the end of hostilities laid foundational precedents for civil-military relations in the nascent United States.

• Legacy of Independence: The cessation of hostilities symbolized the success of the American quest for independence, setting the stage for subsequent developments in forming a robust, independent government structure with the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

This proclamation was a turning point, ending one series of challenges while beginning another: the establishment and maintenance of peace and a functional independent government.