The Diplomacy of War

The wiles of Europe.

The fate of the American Revolution was in the hands of European Diplomacy. The French goal was to draw its Spanish ally into the war. Spain had no interest in it, and was actually opposed to American independence. Spain drove a HARD bardain. The Spanish used the situation and demanded Gibraltar from the British as the price for Spanish Neutrality.

The Franco-Spanish Alliance

The Treaty of Aramjuez (April 1779)

A secret treaty between France and Spain to fight against Britain until the Spanish reclaimed Gibralter.

By steps, this meant that America could not declare peace until Gibralter was won for Spain.

John Jay's Mission

Sent as an envoy to Spain to obtain Spanish recognition of U.S. and to bring Spain into the Franco-American alliance, and obtain a loan of $5 million, and navigation rights of the Missisipi for supply transportation.

He was never oficially received. He stayed in Spain for 2.5 years. His experience made him very suspicious and knowledgeable about European Diplomacy. Discovered the secret treaty between the Spanish and the French.

Misc.

Agreed to give Spain Florida, while France was to get Newfoundland and Britain completely removed from the Americas. Also agreed to attempt the invasion of Great Britain.

<While Spanish ships did not fight for American Independence, this 'seperate' war diverted British attention from North America>

The Armed Neutrality & Britains Diplomatic Isolation

Britain had its back against the wall, its naval supremacy seriously threatened by a triple alliance.

Russian Catherine the Great took initiative in creating an Armed Neutrality, reducing Britain's supremacy further.

Members:

• Russia 1780
• Denmark-Norway 1780
• Sweden 1780
• Holy Roman Empire 1781
• Prussia 1782
• Portugal 1782
• Two Sicilies 1783
• Dutch Netherlands <Tried to join, but the British Declared war on them>

<Note: The Dutch Netherlands was the second country to recognize U.S. Independence>

The Armed Neutrality simply refused to allow the British to use their ports or to transport goods for the British. They withdrew the loans they had extended Britain. They did a lot of damage.

Great Britain against the world:

Great Britain

Colonial Loyalists ---> Came to 8 million

Amerind Allies

vs.

The United States

France

Spain ---> 17.5 million

Holland

Objectives

• Free Ships, Free Goods
• Contraband
• Denunciation of Paper Blockade: (The British would declare a blckade on paper but never enforce it with troops)
• Significance

British Declaration of War on the Netherlands (Dec. 1780)

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