 The signing of the Convention at Mortefontaine, September 30, 1800 | |
| Context | U.S. and France end the 1798–1800 Quasi-War and terminate the 1778 treaties of Alliance and Commerce |
|---|---|
| Signed | 30 September 1800 |
| Location | Mortefontaine, France |
| Effective | 21 December 1801 |
| Expiration | Eight years |
| Signatories | |
| Parties | |
| Languages | French and English |
The Convention of 1800, also known as the Treaty of Mortefontaine, was signed on September 30, 1800, by the United States and France. The difference in name was due to Congressional sensitivity at entering into treaties, due to disputes over the 1778 treaties of Alliance and Commerce between France and the U.S.
The Convention terminated the 1778 agreements, confirmed the principle of 'free trade, free goods' between the two countries and ended the 1798–1800 Quasi-War, an undeclared naval war waged primarily in the Caribbean. However, it failed to address the issue of compensation demanded by American ship owners for losses suffered before and during the Quasi-War, and as a result was not approved by Congress until December 1801.
By removing areas of friction between the two countries, it re-established Franco-American relations, and ultimately facilitated the 1803 Louisiana Purchase.