The Treaty Of Peace And Friendship 1787 Pdf
The Treaty of Peace and Friendship, also known as the "Moroccan Treaty," was one of the earliest treaties signed between the United States and a foreign nation. Signed on June 23, 1786, and ratified on July 18, 1787, the treaty established peaceful relations and free trade between the United States and Morocco.
The Background of the Treaty
In the late 18th century, the United States was a new and growing nation struggling to establish itself on the international stage. At the time, many American ships were being attacked and seized by Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean. To combat this threat, the U.S. sought to establish diplomatic relations with the Barbary states in North Africa, including Morocco.
Morocco, at the time, was a powerful North African kingdom that controlled important trade routes in the Mediterranean. The U.S. saw an opportunity to establish a trade agreement with Morocco that would benefit both countries, and sent envoys to negotiate a treaty.
The Negotiations
The negotiations for the Treaty of Peace and Friendship took place in Morocco between 1785 and 1786. The U.S. envoys, including future President Thomas Jefferson, faced numerous challenges during the negotiations, including a language barrier and cultural differences.
Despite these challenges, the negotiations were successful, and the treaty was signed on June 23, 1786. The treaty established a number of important provisions, including free trade between the two countries, protection for American ships in Moroccan waters, and the exchange of ambassadors.
The Significance of the Treaty
The Treaty of Peace and Friendship was significant for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it was one of the earliest treaties signed between the United States and a foreign nation, and helped establish the U.S. as a legitimate player on the international stage.
Secondly, the treaty helped to establish peaceful relations and free trade between the U.S. and Morocco, which benefited both countries economically. Additionally, the treaty provided protection for American ships in Moroccan waters and established the exchange of ambassadors, which helped strengthen diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The Legacy of the Treaty
The Treaty of Peace and Friendship has had a lasting legacy in the history of the United States. It was one of the earliest examples of the U.S. pursuing diplomatic relations with foreign nations, and helped to establish the U.S. as a legitimate player on the international stage.
The treaty also helped to establish the U.S. as a credible partner in global trade, and set a precedent for future trade agreements between the U.S. and other countries. Additionally, the treaty helped to establish a framework for peaceful relations between the U.S. and other nations, which continues to be an important goal of U.S. foreign policy to this day.
Conclusion
The Treaty of Peace and Friendship was an important milestone in the history of the United States. It helped to establish the U.S. as a legitimate player on the international stage, and set a precedent for future diplomacy and trade agreements with foreign nations.
The treaty's legacy continues to be felt to this day, as the U.S. continues to pursue peaceful relations and free trade with nations around the world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of diplomacy and cooperation in achieving common goals, and the enduring power of peaceful relations between nations.
