What Happened in 1783 — Events, Births & Deaths
1783 brings together 9 events, 0 birthdays and 0 deaths recorded across history.
January 1
- January 20
The Kingdom of Great Britain signs preliminary articles of peace with the Kingdom of France, setting the stage for the official end of hostilities in the American Revolutionary War later that year.
February 1
- February 7
American Revolutionary War: French and Spanish forces lift the Great Siege of Gibraltar.
March 1
- March 15
In an emotional speech in Newburgh, New York, George Washington asks his officers not to support the Newburgh Conspiracy. The plea is successful, and the threatened coup d'état never takes place.
April 2
- April 17
American Revolutionary War: Colbert's Raid: A Spanish garrison under Captain Jacobo du Breuil defeat British irregulars at Arkansas Post.
- April 18
Three-Fifths Compromise: The first instance of black slaves in the United States of America being counted as three-fifths of persons (for the purpose of taxation), in a resolution of the Congress of the Confederation. This was later adopted in the 1787 Constitution.
June 1
- June 8
Laki, a volcano in Iceland, begins an eight-month eruption which kills over 9,000 people and starts a seven-year famine.
October 1
- October 15
The Montgolfier brothers' hot air balloon makes the first human ascent, piloted by Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier.
November 1
- November 29
A 5.3 magnitude earthquake strikes New Jersey.
December 1
- December 23
George Washington resigns as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland.