Treaty of Amiens facts for kids
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The Treaty of Amiens (in French: la paix d'Amiens) was an agreement that temporarily stopped fighting between France and the United Kingdom. This happened during the French Revolutionary Wars. It was signed in the city of Amiens on March 25, 1802. Joseph Bonaparte and Marquess Cornwallis signed it as a "Definitive Treaty of Peace." The peace lasted only one year, ending on May 18, 1803. This was the only time Europe had general peace between 1793 and 1814.
Under this treaty, Britain officially recognized the French Republic. The Treaty of Amiens, along with the Treaty of Lunéville (1801), marked the end of the Second Coalition. This group of countries had been fighting against Revolutionary France since 1798.
Contents
What Was the Treaty of Amiens?
The Treaty of Amiens was a peace agreement. It was meant to bring an end to the long wars between France and Great Britain. These wars had been going on for many years. The treaty was a big deal because it was the first time in a long while that these two major powers agreed to stop fighting.
Why Was the Treaty Signed?
Both France and Britain were tired of war. The fighting had been very costly. It used up a lot of money and lives. Both sides hoped that this treaty would bring lasting peace. They wanted to focus on their own countries.
Key People Involved
Two important people signed the treaty. For France, it was Joseph Bonaparte. He was the older brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. For Britain, it was Marquess Charles Cornwallis. He was a famous general and diplomat. Their signatures made the treaty official.
The Short Peace
Even though everyone hoped for lasting peace, it did not happen. The peace created by the Treaty of Amiens lasted for only about one year. This short period was the only time of general calm in Europe for many years.
Why Did the Peace End?
The peace ended because both sides still had disagreements. France and Britain had different ideas about power in Europe. They also had different goals for their empires. These tensions quickly led to new conflicts. The wars started again in 1803.
Impact of the Treaty
The Treaty of Amiens showed that even a short peace was possible. It gave people a break from the constant fighting. It also changed how countries saw each other. Britain recognizing the French Republic was a big step.
End of the Second Coalition
The treaty helped to officially end the Second Coalition. This was a group of countries that had joined forces against France. With the treaty, this alliance broke apart. It marked a new phase in the history of Europe.
Images for kids
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Britain's foreign secretary Robert Jenkinson, Lord Hawkesbury, portrait by Thomas Lawrence
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Joseph Bonaparte, portraited by Luigi Toro
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Page of the Treaty with the eight seals and the eight signatures of the signatories
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"Maniac-raving's-or-Little Boney in a strong fit" by James Gillray. His caricatures ridiculing Napoleon greatly annoyed the Frenchman, who did not believe that the British government was uninvolved.
See also
In Spanish: Tratado de Amiens (1802) para niños
