Jay Treaty

Jay Treaty, agreement between the United States and Britain negotiated by John Jay, 1794, to settle conflicts arising out of violations of the 1783 Treaty of Paris and to regulate trade and navigation in the Atlantic. The Jay Treaty provided for British evacuation of northwestern forts, compensation for confiscated U.S. shipping, U.S. repayment to Britain of prewar debts, and limited trading concessions to the United States. No mention was made of the impressment of U.S. seamen or compensation for abducted U.S. slaves. For this reason the treaty was considered a capitulation to the British.