The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.19
On View
Not on viewThe 1794 medal: Jay's treaty Secures Northwest Forts
The definitive treaty of peace ending the Revolutionary War was signed in 1783. But not all of its provisions had been fulfilled. The British insisted upon compensation of the loyalists for their seized property and payment of prewar debts. American complaints were that the British had not evacuated the Northwest forts nor allowed trade with the West Indies where hundreds of American ships were seized.
John Jay was sent to England to negotiate these differences. The resulting Jay's Treaty failed to settle some questions and gave more to Great Britain than he had been authorized to give. Although the treaty was loudly denounced and Jay was burned in effigy, the treaty was signed on November 19, 1794 and ratified by the Senate the following year.
In spite of its shortcomings the treaty gained for the United States some important things. First, there was continued commerce between England and the united States, the duties from which supported Hamilton's fiscal plans. Second, by June 1, 1796 the British turned the forts over to the United States. This was most important as the British had been supplying and inciting the Indians barrier state instead of ceding the Northwest as agreed.
Although the treaty was disliked, there were men of vision; they were playing for time until America was stronger. A war with England or France at that time would have ended the American dream. Washington wrote, "If this country is preserved in tranquility twenty years longer, it may bid defiance in a just cause to any power whatever; such at that time will be its population, wealth and resources."
