Treaty of Peace and Amity between the United States of America and the Dey and Subjects of the Regency of Algiers | |
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Type | Peace treaty |
Context | Conclusion of the Second Barbary War |
Signed | June 30, 1815 |
Location | Algiers, Regency of Algiers |
Ratified | December 21, 1815 |
Effective | December 26, 1815 |
Condition | Ratification by both parties |
Signatories |
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Parties | |
Languages | English, Arabic |
The Treaty with Algiers, signed on June 30, 1815, marked a significant moment in American foreign policy and maritime law, concluding the Second Barbary War between the United States and the Regency of Algiers. This treaty was pivotal in establishing a framework for peace and trade relations, while also addressing the issue of American captives held by Algerian forces.
Article II explicitly stated that no tribute or presents would be required from the United States by Algiers under any circumstances. This was a significant departure from previous agreements that had mandated such payments. [1]
The treaty mandated the immediate release of all American prisoners held by Algiers without any ransom. At that time, approximately 83 Americans were freed as a result of this agreement. [2] [3]
The Dey agreed to pay $10,000 as compensation for property taken from American citizens during previous conflicts. [4]
The treaty granted U.S. ships full trading privileges in ports that recognized Algerian authority, thereby enhancing American commercial interests in the Mediterranean region. [4] [5]
The treaty included a clause ensuring that any trade privileges granted to other nations would automatically extend to the United States. [6]
The U.S. Senate ratified the treaty on December 5, 1815, marking an end to hostilities with Algiers. [2] However, shortly after its ratification, Dey Omar repudiated the agreement due to internal pressures and continued piracy against American vessels persisted until further military actions were taken.
In 1816, following a combined Anglo-Dutch bombardment of Algiers, a new U.S. squadron arrived under William Shaler which led to another treaty being negotiated on December 23, 1816. This subsequent treaty reaffirmed many provisions of the original agreement but was not ratified by the Senate until February 11, 1822. [3]
The Treaty of Paris, signed in Paris by representatives of King George III of Great Britain and representatives of the United States on September 3, 1783, officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized the Thirteen Colonies, which had been part of colonial British America, to be free, sovereign and independent states.
The First Barbary War (1801–1805), also known as the Tripolitan War and the Barbary Coast War, was a conflict during the 1801–1815 Barbary Wars, in which the United States and Sweden fought against Ottoman Tripolitania. Tripolitania had declared war against Sweden and the United States over disputes regarding tributary payments made by both states in exchange for a cessation of Tripolitanian commerce raiding at sea. United States President Thomas Jefferson refused to pay this tribute. Sweden had been at war with the Tripolitans since 1800. The First Barbary War was the first major American war fought outside the New World, and in the Arab world, besides the smaller American–Algerian War (1785–1795).
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The Second Barbary War, also known as the U.S.–Algerian War and the Algerine War, was a brief military conflict between the United States and the North African state of Algiers in 1815.
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