Washington, Treaty Of

Related Category: U.S. History

May, 1871, agreement concluded between the United States and Great Britain in Washington, D.C. Its principal articles provided for determination of the Alabama claims by an international commission. The treaty also provided for arbitration of the San Juan Boundary Dispute and of the Canadian-American fisheries controversy. Hamilton Fish, who was chiefly responsible for bringing about the treaty, headed the five American commissioners in the negotiations. The British delegation was led by the 2d earl (later 1st marquess) of Ripon.