Treaty of Amiens
Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), Amiens, France
What happened
Britain, represented by Lord Cornwallis, and France, represented by Joseph Bonaparte, with Spain and the Batavian Republic (Netherlands). After years of war between Britain and revolutionary France, the two sides made peace at Amiens. Britain recognised the French Republic and gave back most of the colonies it had captured, keeping Ceylon and Trinidad. France agreed to leave the Papal States and Naples.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It brought the only period of general peace in Europe between 1793 and 1814. Wealthy British visitors flocked to Paris to see the city.
What came next
Quarrels over Malta and other matters soon ended the peace. Britain declared war on France again on 18 May 1803, starting the Napoleonic Wars.
Did you know?
Amiens is also home to the largest Gothic cathedral in France, and the writer Jules Verne lived there for over 30 years.
Timeline
- 1793Britain and France go to war.
- 25 March 1802The Treaty of Amiens is signed.
- 1802British visitors flock to Paris.
- 18 May 1803Britain declares war on France again.