This is a visual explainer based on the Wikipedia article on the Russo-American Treaty of 1824. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

The 1824 Pacific Accord

An academic exploration of the treaty that defined territorial boundaries and diplomatic relations between the Russian Empire and the United States in North America.

What is the Treaty? ๐Ÿ‘‡ Historical Context ๐Ÿ›๏ธ

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
๐ŸŽฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ŸŽฎ

The Russo-American Treaty of 1824

Formal Agreement

The Russo-American Treaty of 1824, also known as the Convention of 1824, was a pivotal diplomatic agreement signed in St. Petersburg between representatives of the Russian Empire and the United States. This accord, comprising six articles, was formally concluded on April 17, 1824, and subsequently ratified by both nations on January 11, 1825, taking effect the following day.

Defining Boundaries

The primary objective of this treaty was to delineate territorial claims along the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. It established a southern boundary for Russian claims at parallel 54ยฐ40โ€ฒ north latitude. This effectively ceded Russian territorial assertions south of this line to the United States, impacting the region then known by Americans as the Oregon Country.

Geopolitical Significance

This treaty played a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Pacific Northwest. By defining the limits of Russian expansion southward, it clarified the territorial interests of both the United States and Russia, setting the stage for future negotiations and potential conflicts over the region, particularly with Great Britain.

Key Signatories

Russian Empire Representatives

The treaty was formally signed on behalf of the Russian Empire by:

  • Karl Nesselrode (referred to in the treaty as "Charles de Nesselrode"), who served as Russia's Foreign Minister at the time.
  • Pyotr Ivanovich Poletika (referred to as "Pierre de Poletica"), representing the Russian Empire.

United States Representatives

The United States was represented in the signing of this significant treaty by:

  • Henry Middleton, who acted as the official representative for the United States.

Treaty Provisions

Establishing the Boundary

The core stipulation of the 1824 treaty established the northern limit of American claims and the southern limit of Russian claims at the parallel of 54ยฐ40โ€ฒ north latitude. This geographical demarcation was critical in defining the extent of each nation's potential territorial interests in the strategically important Pacific Northwest.

Trade Rights

While the treaty defined territorial boundaries, it also addressed maritime activities. It stipulated that Russian claims would extend south only to 54ยฐ40โ€ฒ N, but importantly, it preserved Russian rights to engage in trade within the region south of that latitude. This provision acknowledged the ongoing commercial interests and activities in the area.

Historical Context

The Oregon Dispute

The treaty was negotiated against the backdrop of the burgeoning Oregon dispute. This complex territorial disagreement primarily involved the United States and Great Britain, both asserting claims over the vast Oregon Country. The 1824 treaty helped clarify the Russian position, indirectly influencing the dynamics of the US-British negotiations.

Preceding Agreements

The territorial landscape was further shaped by earlier agreements. The Adams-Onรญs Treaty of 1819 between the U.S. and Spain had defined Spanish claims north of the 42nd Parallel (the present-day boundary between Oregon and California). The Russo-American Treaty of 1824, therefore, addressed the remaining major European power's claims in the region.

Subsequent Delimitations

Following the 1824 agreement, the Anglo-Russian Treaty of 1825 further delineated Russia's northern boundary, formally setting the southern limit of Alaska at 54ยฐ40โ€ฒ N. This established the boundary of the Alaska Panhandle, reinforcing the line agreed upon in principle with the United States in the preceding year.

Enduring Legacy

US Territorial Expansion

The treaty was instrumental in consolidating the United States' territorial claims in the Pacific Northwest. By securing Russia's relinquishment of claims south of 54ยฐ40โ€ฒ N, it removed a significant potential obstacle to American expansion and laid groundwork for future settlement and eventual statehood for territories like Oregon.

Russian Focus Shift

For the Russian Empire, the treaty marked a strategic decision to consolidate its presence in Alaska and the far north. By formally ceding claims south of 54ยฐ40โ€ฒ N, Russia signaled a withdrawal from further southward expansion in North America, focusing its colonial efforts elsewhere.

International Diplomacy

The Russo-American Treaty of 1824 stands as a significant example of early 19th-century diplomacy, demonstrating how bilateral agreements could resolve complex territorial disputes and establish frameworks for international relations in newly explored regions. It underscored the growing influence of both the United States and Russia on the global stage.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "Russo-american Treaty Of 1824" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about russo-american_treaty_of_1824 while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

                                        

References

References

  1.  Text of Russo-American Treaty of 1824
A full list of references for this article are available at the Russo-American Treaty of 1824 Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. It is presented to facilitate academic understanding at a postgraduate level.

This is not legal advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional legal consultation or the review of official treaty documents. Users should consult with qualified legal professionals or refer to primary sources for definitive interpretations and applications of international law.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided. Users are encouraged to consult original sources for verification.