1783.
Jan. 20—The preliminary treaty, providing for the cessation of hostilities between England and the United States, was signed.
Feb. 5—The Independence of the United States acknowledged by Sweden.
Mar. 24—The Independence of the United States acknowledged by Denmark. The Independence of the United States acknowledged by Spain.
Apr. 19—Cessation of hostilities officially proclaimed in the United States—just eight years from the beginning of the war. Estimated loss of men during the war, seventy thousand.
CHAPTER IX.
THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1787.
The successful termination of the Revolutionary War of seven years made the United Colonies which had commenced it, in fact, as well as in their Declaration, Free and Independent States. Toward the close of the war they had adopted Articles of Confederation. These were soon found to be inadequate to secure the general welfare, and without sufficient authority to carry their measures into effect. No sufficient means were supplied by them to maintain the public credit, and all the interests of the country languished.
They formed the Bond of Union for six years or more, and served an excellent purpose in calling the attention of statesmen and the people to the points most important in the constitution of a vigorous government. It was the trial essay, and the intelligence of the leading men of that period turned it to great profit.