On November 11, 1782, British representatives agreed in principle to the preliminary Articles of Peace with the American colonies, beginning the formal process to end the Revolutionary War. These articles outlined terms for recognizing American independence, establishing borders, and addressing issues such as debts and the treatment of Loyalists. The preliminary agreement paved the way for the final Treaty of Paris, which was signed on September 3, 1783, officially ending the war and confirming the United States as an independent nation.