RATIFICATION DAY
Ratification Day on January 14th annually recognizes the act that officially ended the American Revolution. The day commemorates the ratification of the Treaty of Paris on January 14, 1784, at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland, by the Confederation Congress.
#RatificationDay
After the Declaration of Independence was signed, nearly eight years passed before the British and the Americans agreed to a cease-fire. As part of the Treaty of Paris, Great Britain recognized the United States as a sovereign entity.
It is the most enduring premise of the treaty. The treaty also defined boundaries, specifically the Northwest Territory, which included Ohio and the rich prairie land of Indiana and Illinois. The treaty also included Michigan, Wisconsin, and parts of Minnesota w. Several of the nation’s founding fathers negotiated the peace treaty, including John Adams, John Jay, and Benjamin Franklin.
- The Confederation Congress declared on April 11, 1783, “the cessation of arms” against Great Britain.
- Congress approved the preliminary articles of peace on April 15, 1783.
- The Confederation Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris on January 14, 1784.
HOW TO OBSERVE RATIFICATION DAY
Learn more about the Treaty of Paris.
- Visit the Maryland State House.
- Read more about the Treaty of Paris.
- Visit the Library Congress.
- Use #RatificationDay to post on social media.
RATIFICATION DAY HISTORY
Ratification Day recognizes the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Each year, the State House in Annapolis, Maryland, hosts a ceremony reenacting the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The Old Senate Chamber has been renovated and preserved just as it was at the signing. Every January 14th, the State House also raises a flag the design displayed at the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The flag’s design includes twelve stars forming a circle with one star in the center.
Ratification FAQ
Q. Who negotiated the Treaty of Paris in 1783?
A. American Peace Commissioners Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and John Adams represented the United States during negotiation. Richard Oswarld represented Great Britain. Franklin, Jay, and Adams, and British statesman David Hartley signed the treaty.
Q. How long did negotiations take between Britain and the United States?
A. Peace talks began in April 1782. The Revolutionary War formally ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783. However, the Continental Congress didn’t ratify the treaty until January 14, 1784.
January 14th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History
1784
Continental Congress ratifies the Treaty of Paris ending the American Revolution.
1952
NBC broadcasts the first episode of Today hosted by anchor Dave Garroway. The morning national news show was the first of its kind.
1973
The King of Rock ‘n Roll performs the first live concert transmitted by satellite around the world. Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii was performed live on location. Estimates vary how many people watched the concert, and it was revolutionary and Elvis Presley’s concert was the most-watched broadcast by an individual entertainer in tv history at that time.
January 14th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays
Benedict Arnold – 1741
The Continental soldier more than once demonstrated his skill and loyalty to the United States cause entered into an agreement with the British in 1779 that branded him a traitor for life.
Matthew Maury – 1806
The American naval officer was one of the founders of oceanography and published the first modern text dedicated to its study, The Physical Geography of the Sea.
Richard Felton Outcault – 1863
One of America’s pioneering cartoonists, Oucault developed one of the first popular characters known as The Yellow Kid. His cartoons led to the modern-day comic strip.
Mark Goodson – 1915
The television producer developed several game shows during his career. Some of his most popular games included, To Tell the Truth, The Match Game, and What’s My Line. Another that still airs today is The Price is Right.
Julian Bond – 1940
The civil rights leader was elected twice to the Georgia state legislature and both times, the legislature refused Bond his seat. It wasn’t until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the exclusion was unconstitutional in December of 1966 that Bond was sworn in a month later.
Shannon Lucid – 1943
The American astronaut spent 188 days in space aboard the space station Mir. At the time, it was a record spaceflight for any U.S. astronaut.
LL Cool J – 1968
Born James Todd Smith, the Grammy-winning American rapper also pursued a successful acting career. He’s known for his roles on In the House and NCIS: Los Angeles.
