Ratification Day is observed on January 14 each year. On this day in 1784, the Congress of the Confederation, meeting in Annapolis, Maryland, ratified the Treaty of Paris. The treaty formally ended the American Revolutionary War, and Great Britain recognized the United States as a free and independent nation. Ratification Day marks the moment American independence was officially secured by treaty.
History of Ratification Day
The Revolutionary War's major fighting ended after the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781. Peace talks followed in Paris, where American negotiators Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and John Jay worked out terms with Britain. The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783.
Under the Articles of Confederation, nine states had to ratify the treaty through their delegates in Congress, and Congress had a deadline to return the ratified treaty to Britain. Bad winter weather delayed many delegates, and for weeks Congress lacked enough members. Finally, on January 14, 1784, with delegates from nine states present, Congress ratified the treaty at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, which then served as the nation's capital.
The treaty set U.S. borders from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and secured fishing rights off Newfoundland. The Maryland State House, where ratification took place, is still in use today and is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use.
Why Ratification Day Matters
Ratification Day marks the legal end of the war for independence, an essential step in the founding of the United States.
It shows the challenges of early American government under the Articles of Confederation, which helped lead to the Constitution in 1787.
The day is also a chance to learn about Annapolis's role as a temporary national capital and about the diplomats who negotiated peace.
How to Celebrate Ratification Day
- Visit Annapolis: tour the Maryland State House.
- Read the treaty: explore the Treaty of Paris online.
- Map the borders: compare the 1783 boundaries with today's map.
- Learn the negotiators: read about Franklin, Adams and Jay.
- Study the Articles: learn why they were replaced by the Constitution.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share a quick history fact about how the Revolutionary War officially ended. In classrooms, students can compare the 1783 boundaries with modern maps, debate the challenges of the Articles of Confederation or role-play the peace negotiations. At home, families can plan a visit to Annapolis or read about the founders who negotiated the treaty.
Fun Facts About Ratification Day
- The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783.
- Congress ratified it on January 14, 1784, in Annapolis.
- Annapolis served as the U.S. capital in 1783–1784.
Ratification Day FAQs
When is Ratification Day?
Ratification Day is observed on January 14 each year.
What happened on January 14, 1784?
Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, formally ending the Revolutionary War.
Where was the Treaty of Paris ratified?
At the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland.
Who negotiated the Treaty of Paris?
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and John Jay, with Henry Laurens.
What did the Treaty of Paris do?
Britain recognized U.S. independence and set borders to the Mississippi River.
Why was ratification delayed?
Bad weather and travel delays kept enough state delegates from reaching Annapolis.