Treaty of Washington (1871)
Washington, D.C., USA
What happened
Hamilton Fish for the United States and a British commission including Earl de Grey and Canada's John A. Macdonald signed the treaty. During the American Civil War, British-built ships like the CSS Alabama had raided Union shipping, and the US demanded payment. In Washington the two countries agreed to send these 'Alabama Claims' to an international tribunal. They also settled fishing rights and other disputes.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It set a famous example of settling a quarrel between nations by arbitration instead of war. It began lasting peace between the US, Britain and Canada.
What came next
In 1872 a tribunal in Geneva awarded the United States $15.5 million, which Britain paid in 1873.
Did you know?
The Alabama arbitration is seen as a forerunner of later international courts and the United Nations.
Timeline
- 8 May 1871The Treaty of Washington is signed.
- 1872The Geneva tribunal makes its award.
- 8 September 1873Britain pays the award.