PINCKNEY'S TREATY

WHAT IT WAS:

1795’s Pinckney’s Treaty (named after the American

negotiator Thomas Pinckney) was an agreement

between Spain and the United States made to establish

intentions of friendship. In it, Spain recognized the 

borders of its colonies and the US. It set the southern

boundary of the US at 31° N latitude, and along the

Mississippi River. Also, Spanish gave Americans the

navigational rights on the Mississippi River. Americans

could now storage goods for transshipment at New

Orleans. They agreed to restrain Indians within their

boundaries from attacking the other.

 

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT:

It is important to note the relationships between the countries of influence at the time. (The US and European countries like Britain, France and Spain) Spain granted the concessions to the United States, not because they were afraid of the American military, per se, but because they were concerned about the diplomatic issued between countries of power. Spain was a rival of Britain, and it had been noting that US and Britain were attempting to better their relationships (ex. Jay’s Treaty). So, by forming friendly relationships with the US, Spain hoped to keep Britain off balance.