11.3 The Newburgh Conspiracy and the Treaty of Paris

The Newburgh Conspiracy nearly led to a military coup against Congress in 1783. Frustrated by lack of pay, army officers plotted to overthrow the government. George Washington's impassioned speech diffused the crisis, showcasing his leadership and loyalty to civilian rule.

The Treaty of Paris officially ended the American Revolution in 1783. It recognized U.S. independence, set national boundaries, and granted fishing rights. However, unresolved issues like Loyalist property and Native American lands would cause future conflicts.

The Newburgh Conspiracy

Circumstances Leading to the Conspiracy

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• The Continental Army officers grew frustrated over lack of pay, pensions, and other grievances against the Continental Congress
• The army had gone long stretches without pay due to the financial difficulties and limited power of Congress
  • This led to growing discontent among officers and soldiers
• Anonymous letters circulated among officers at the army camp in Newburgh, New York
  • The letters called for a meeting to discuss grievances and consider options for forcing Congress to meet their demands
  • Options included refusing to disband or even overthrowing the government

Significance of the Conspiracy

• The conspiracy reflected the fragility of the new nation and its government
  • It highlighted the potential for the military to threaten civilian rule in the early republic
• While the mutiny was ultimately prevented, it emphasized the need for a stronger central government
  • A stronger government could effectively manage national finances and maintain a standing army
• The Newburgh Conspiracy served as a wake-up call for the nation's leaders
  • It underscored the importance of addressing the concerns of the military and ensuring their loyalty to the civilian government

Washington's Role in the Newburgh Conspiracy

Washington's Actions

• As commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, Washington played a crucial role in defusing the conspiracy and preventing a potential military coup
• Upon learning of the planned meeting and circulating letters, he took decisive action
  • Washington issued a general order forbidding any unsanctioned meetings
  • He called for a formal meeting of officers on March 15, 1783, to address their concerns directly

Washington's Emotional Appeal

• At the meeting, Washington delivered an impassioned speech
  • He acknowledged the officers' grievances but urged them to remain loyal to the principles of the revolution and the civilian government
• In a dramatic moment, Washington pulled out a letter from a member of Congress and fumbled with his reading glasses
  • He remarked that he had grown old and nearly blind in service to his country
  • This emotional display connected with the officers and their shared sacrifices

Impact of Washington's Intervention

• Washington's personal appeal to the officers' sense of duty, patriotism, and shared hardship successfully diffused the tension
  • His actions ended the immediate threat of mutiny
• The incident demonstrated Washington's strong leadership skills and political acumen
  • It showcased the immense respect and loyalty he commanded among his officers and soldiers
• Washington's handling of the Newburgh Conspiracy solidified his reputation as a leader who could unite the nation
  • It foreshadowed his future role as the first President of the United States

Provisions of the Treaty of Paris (1783)

Recognition of American Independence

• The Treaty of Paris, signed on September 3, 1783, formally ended the American Revolutionary War
  • It established the United States as an independent nation
• The treaty recognized American independence and established the boundaries of the new nation
  • The U.S. stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River in the west, and from the Great Lakes in the north to Florida in the south

Economic and Territorial Provisions

• The United States was granted fishing rights off the coast of Newfoundland and in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence
  • These rights were important for the New England economy, which relied heavily on fishing
• The treaty required the British to withdraw their troops from American territory
  • They also had to return or pay for any confiscated American property
• Both sides agreed to grant access to the Mississippi River
  • This waterway was a key route for transportation and commerce

Unresolved Issues

• The United States agreed to recommend to state legislatures that they restore property rights and possessions of Loyalists
  • However, this provision was largely ignored by the states
• The treaty left several issues unresolved, including the status of Native American lands
  • The exact boundary between the United States and British-held Canada was also not clearly defined
  • These unresolved matters would lead to future tensions between the U.S., Native Americans, and the British

Impact of the Treaty of Paris on the US

Establishment of the United States as a Sovereign Nation

• The Treaty of Paris had far-reaching consequences for the United States
  • It established the U.S. as a sovereign nation and set the stage for its westward expansion and future growth
• The treaty's provisions regarding boundaries and fishing rights secured valuable territory and economic opportunities
  • This provided a foundation for the new nation's development

Domestic Tensions and Unresolved Issues

• The U.S. agreement to recommend the restoration of Loyalist property rights created resentment among some Americans
  • Many had fought against the Loyalists during the war and were unwilling to return their property
• The unresolved issues of Native American lands and the U.S.-Canada boundary led to continued tensions and conflicts
  • The U.S. would face ongoing challenges with Native Americans and the British in the following decades

Strained Relations with Great Britain

• Despite formally ending the war, the Treaty of Paris did not immediately normalize relations between the U.S. and Great Britain
  • Lingering resentments, trade disputes, and conflicts over unresolved issues from the treaty strained the relationship
• These tensions would eventually lead to the War of 1812
  • The U.S. sought to assert its sovereignty and protect its interests against British encroachments
• Nonetheless, the Treaty of Paris represented a significant diplomatic achievement for the United States
  • It was a crucial step in the nation's journey toward becoming a stable, independent country