'The Lyons-Seward Treaty of 1862'

'The Lyons-Seward Treaty of 1862'

'A Treaty Between Her Majesty and the United States of America for the Suppression of the African Slave Trade'

Following the diplomatic tensions caused by the Trent Affair in late 1861, American efforts in foreign policy concentrated on generating more amiable relations with nations interested in the effects of the Civil War. This direction pushed Secretary Seward to seek an opportunity to foster stronger ties with the United Kingdom, working with Lord Lyons to address a shared interest of the two governments.

The product of their dialogue, the Lyons-Seward Treaty, promoted collaboration between the two nations on opposing the still-lingering elements of the Atlantic Slave trade, opened the door for additional talks as the war progressed. In promoting this overlapping interest, the U.S. added additional incentive for the British to remain neutral - a view argued as in the interests of both parties to the Treaty.

William Seward and Sir Richard Pemell, the Earl Lyons

Digitized in the New York Public Library's Digital Collections

Printed by Harrison and Sons, London

April 27, 1862

Public Domain

English

Text

Manuscript