Jay Treaty

Definition

The Jay Treaty was an agreement between the United States and Great Britain in 1794 that aimed to resolve issues remaining since the end of the American Revolution.

Analogy

Imagine two friends who had a big fight (the American Revolution). After some time, they decide to sit down and talk things out (Jay Treaty) to clear up any lingering misunderstandings or disagreements.

Related terms

John Jay: The first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court who negotiated the treaty with Britain.

Impressment: A practice by British navy where they seized American sailors and forced them into service. This was one of the issues addressed in Jay Treaty.

Neutrality Proclamation of 1793: Issued by George Washington, it declared America's neutrality in war between France and Britain. It set stage for negotiations leading to Jay Treaty.