Question

When was the treaty of Paris signed?
A) 1766
B) 1764
C) 1763
D) 1767

Answer 1

Hint: The Treaty of Paris concluded the Franco-British conflicts of the Seven Years’ War, known as the French and Indian War in North America. In the terms of the treaty, France abandoned to Britain all its territories in mainland North America. Thus, effectively terminating any foreign military threat to the British colonies there.

Complete answer:
The Treaty of Paris is also known as the "Treaty of 1763” and it was signed by representatives of England and Hanover on one side and France and Spain on the other, with Portugal expressly understood to be included. It was signed on Feb 7, 1963, in Paris. It concluded the Franco-British conflicts of the Seven Years’ War, known as the French and Indian War in North America.

During the war, British forces had gained significant overseas victories against France. The British had not only annexed French Canada, but they also got victories in India and captured French island colonies in the Caribbean. ‘French King Louis XV' issued a formal call for peace talks in March of 1762. The British Government was also interested in terminating the war, as the war had been extremely expensive, and the Government had to capitalize on the war with debt. Creditors were beginning to doubt the ability of Great Britain to return the loans it had floated on financial markets. In addition, British King George II had died in the year 1760, and George III, his successor, was more compliant to terminate the war.

By the terms of the treaty, France abandoned to Britain the entire mainland of North America east of the Mississippi, except New Orleans and environs; Grenada’s West Indian islands, Saint Vincent, Dominica, and Tobago; and all French subjugations made since 1749 in India or in the East Indies. Thus, it effectively ended any foreign military threat to the British colonies there.

In return, British restored to France Guadeloupe's West Indian islands, Martinique, Marie-Galante, and Désirade; St. Pierre island and Miquelon; the West African colony of Gorée; and Belle-Île-en-Mer. Britain also renounced Saint Lucia to France.

Thus, the correct answer is Option ‘C’ i.e, The Treaty of Paris was signed in the year 1763.

Note: At the same time, Spain recovered Havana and Manila, surrendered East and West Florida to the British. From the French, it received Louisiana, including New Orleans in compensation. Moreover, the French also evacuated Hanover, Hesse, and Brunswick.