23 American History Questions Most Americans Get Wrong

19. When did the Revolutionary War end?

Correct: September 3, 1783
Incorrect: October 17-19, 1781

It is true that on October 17, 1781, Charles Cornwallis surrendered — formally signing articles of capitulation two days later, effectively ending full-scale military operations in the colonies. However, it wasn’t until almost three years later that the war formally ended. British and American representatives signed the preliminary peace terms in Paris in November 1782. Nevertheless, the fighting continued until 3 September 1783, when Britain officially recognized American independence under the Treaty of Paris.