Mortefontaine Treaty of 1800

Mortefontaine Treaty of 1800 

a treaty between France and the USA signed on Sept. 30, 1800, in Mortefontaine, France.

The treaty put an end to a long conflict between the two countries, during which ships of the French fleet had constantly attacked American vessels, especially after the conclusion in 1794 of an Anglo-American treaty. The Treaty of Mortefontaine provided for the return of captured vessels, mutual renunciation of claims, the inviolability of cargoes carried by vessels flying neutral flags, and mutual commercial advantages. The treaty reflected the general desire of the French government of Napoleon Bonaparte to concentrate its efforts on the struggle with the anti-French coalition headed by Great Britain while hampering Anglo-American rapprochement.