But the time had passed when any such adjustment might have been possible.

The Americans now flatly refused to treat of peace upon any footing except that of independent equality.

The British, being in no position to continue the struggle, were obliged to yield and to declare in the first article of the treaty of peace that "His Britannic Majesty acknowledges the said United States...

to be free, sovereign, and independent states." With France the relationship of the United States was clear and friendly enough at the time.

The American War of Independence had been brought to a successful issue with the aid of France.