THE DIPLOMATIC STRUGGLE OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST FRANCE IN PROTECTING MARITIME TRADE (1796–1800)

Abstract

The examination of key issues in the United States diplomacy during the formative years of the newly established nation remains an underexplored area in domestic academic discourse. Among these, policy on maritime trade emerges as a significant topic of study. As an independent state, U.S. diplomacy faced frequent external barriers and restrictions, compelling the country’s leaders to undertake diplomatic efforts to safeguard national interests on the international stage. Drawing on primary sources from the United States, this article analyzes the diplomatic struggle between the United States and France in protecting maritime trade. Specialized research methodologies, including historical and logical analysis, are employed to objectively reconstruct the events and phenomena under study. The article focuses on three key areas: (i) the maritime trade policies of the United States during its formative years; (ii) the obstacles to maritime trade imposed by France; and (iii) the diplomatic measures undertaken by the United States to protect its maritime trade activities. From that analysis, the article clarifies the idea of ​​freedom of navigation of the United States during initial times. The process of diplomatic struggle to realize the target for freedom of trade on highseas in international relations. The French ‘s recognition of the principle of equality in trade on the ocean for American ships.