Treaty of Amity and Commerce (Prussia–United States)

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of Amity and Commerce (Prussia–United States)?

Subject:

Treaty of Amity and Commerce (Prussia–United States)

Known for:

First European treaty establishing US trade relations with Prussia (1785)

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the Kingdom of Prussia and the United States of America (September 10, 1785) was a treaty negotiated by Count Karl-Wilhelm Finck von Finckenstein, Prussian Prime Minister, and Thomas Jefferson, United States Ambassador to France, and signed by Frederick the Great and George Washington. The treaty officially established commercial relations between the Kingdom of Prussia and the United States of America and was the first one signed by a European power with the United States after the American Revolutionary War. The Kingdom of Prussia became therefore one of the first nations to officially recognize the young American Republic after the Revolution.

Career & Major Achievements

The first nation to recognize the US was Sweden, who during the Revolution signed a Treaty of Amity and Commerce. The Treaty was signed to promote free trade and commerce and became a benchmark for subsequent free trade agreements and treaties.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In addition, the Treaty demanded the unconditionally humane custody for war prisoners, a novelty at the time. The Treaty was renewed in 1799 after negotiations with United States Ambassador to Prussia John Quincy Adams (1797 -1801).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1785: 1785 Milestone — The Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the Kingdom of Prussia and the United States of America (September 10, 1785) was a treaty negotiated by Count Karl-Wilhelm Finck von Finckenstein, Prussian Prime Minister, and Thomas Jefferson, United States Ambassador to France, and signed by Frederick the Great and George Washington.
2. 1799: 1799 Milestone — The Treaty was renewed in 1799 after negotiations with United States Ambassador to Prussia John Quincy Adams (1797 -1801).

Notable Quotes by Treaty of Amity and Commerce (Prussia–United States)

“The treaty officially established commercial relations between the Kingdom of Prussia and the United States of America.” (1785)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of Amity and Commerce (Prussia–United States)

True or False: “True or False: The Treaty of Amity and Commerce of 1785 was the first European treaty to recognize the United States after the American Revolutionary War.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The treaty was highly significant because it established commercial relations with the US, making Prussia one of the first major European powers to officially recognize the young American Republic after the war.

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