Convention of 1800
Château de Mortefontaine, Oise, France
What happened
Joseph Bonaparte and other French envoys signed with American envoys Oliver Ellsworth, William Davie and William Vans Murray. The United States and France had been fighting an undeclared war at sea, the Quasi-War, since 1798. At Joseph Bonaparte's château at Mortefontaine, the two sides agreed to make peace. They also ended the alliance the two countries had made in 1778.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It restored friendly relations between France and the United States. Some historians argue it helped make the Louisiana Purchase possible.
What came next
In 1803 the United States bought Louisiana from France for $15 million.
Did you know?
It was called a 'convention' instead of a 'treaty' because Congress was wary of treaties after quarrels over the 1778 alliance.
Timeline
- 7 July 1798The Quasi-War begins.
- 30 September 1800The Convention of 1800 is signed.
- 21 December 1801Congress ratifies it.
- April 1803Louisiana Purchase.