Washington Treaty of 1871

Definition

The Washington Treaty of 1871, also known as the Treaty of Washington, was a significant diplomatic agreement between the United States and Great Britain that aimed to resolve outstanding issues related to the American Civil War and set guidelines for future relations between the two nations. The treaty marked a critical point in the post-Civil War era, addressing both economic and territorial disputes, which contributed to the early successes of the new nation as it sought to establish itself on the international stage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Washington Treaty of 1871 was signed on May 8, 1871, and focused on resolving issues stemming from British support of the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
2. The treaty established a joint commission to address the Alabama Claims and awarded compensation to the United States for damages incurred.
3. It also included provisions for peaceful resolution of future disputes, setting a precedent for arbitration in international relations.
4. This treaty helped to improve Anglo-American relations, leading to a more cooperative relationship between the two countries in subsequent years.
5. The Washington Treaty was instrumental in solidifying Canada's relationship with both Great Britain and the United States as Canada navigated its early years as a new nation.

Review Questions

• How did the Washington Treaty of 1871 address issues from the American Civil War and influence relations between the U.S. and Great Britain?
  • The Washington Treaty of 1871 addressed unresolved issues from the American Civil War, particularly focusing on the Alabama Claims where the U.S. sought compensation for damages caused by British-built warships used by the Confederacy. The treaty established a joint commission to resolve these claims, thus facilitating a smoother dialogue between the U.S. and Great Britain. By doing so, it laid the groundwork for improved relations between the two nations, emphasizing diplomacy over conflict.
• What were some key outcomes of the Washington Treaty of 1871 that impacted early Canadian-American relations?
  • The Washington Treaty of 1871 had significant implications for Canadian-American relations as it solidified Canada’s position in North America amidst changing dynamics post-Civil War. It not only enhanced cooperation between Canada and its colonial power, Great Britain, but also fostered a sense of stability with the U.S. The treaty's emphasis on arbitration set a precedent that allowed Canada to navigate its foreign relations more effectively while asserting its emerging identity as a nation.
• Evaluate how the Washington Treaty of 1871 exemplified early successes of Canada as a new nation in dealing with international disputes.
  • The Washington Treaty of 1871 exemplified Canada's early successes by showcasing its ability to engage in diplomatic negotiations alongside major powers like Great Britain and the United States. By being included in discussions regarding critical disputes such as the Alabama Claims, Canada demonstrated its capacity to influence outcomes on an international level. This treaty not only highlighted Canada's growing autonomy but also reinforced its position as a participant in global affairs, setting a precedent for future diplomatic interactions.

Related terms

Alabama Claims: Demands made by the United States against Great Britain for damages caused by British-built warships, known as 'Alabama' claims, which had been used by the Confederacy during the Civil War.

Anglo-American Relations: The diplomatic, political, and economic relations between the United States and Great Britain, which evolved significantly throughout the 19th century.

Jubilee Year: A celebration in Canada in 1867 marking the 50th anniversary of Confederation, which reflected the growing sense of national identity and unity among Canadian provinces.