Globalization of the United States, 1789-1861

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Lyman, Theodore. The Diplomacy of the United States. Being an account of the foreign relations of the country, from the first treaty with France, in 1778, to the treaty of Ghent, in 1814, with Great Britain. Boston: Wells and Lilly, 1826.

Theodore Lyman. The Diplomacy of the United States. Being an Account of the Foreign Relations of the Country, from the First Treaty with France, in 1778, to the Treaty of Ghent, in 1814, with Great Britain. Boston: Wells and Lilly, 1826. p. 118.

Anticipating peace in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe, Lyman lamented that the American principle of neutrality had not achieved the status of international law.

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The peace of Ghent is, properly, the first period in the diplomatic history of this country. It is most probable, that the foreign relations will, hereafter, assume a different aspect, not only on account of the extraordinary revolution in South America, but because we cannot expect, again, to witness such another revolution as was consummated in Europe, by the general pacification of 1814.

Heretofore, nearly all the commerce of the United States, together with every other sort of communication, whether relating to the arts, sciences, literature or diplomacy, has been held with Europe; for, when this country became independent, every other portion of the American continent was in a condition of severe colonial subjection and oppression. America, following only that course of trade, indicated in the stipulations of treaties, favourable in general, though not on the most liberal principles, speedily attracted the attention of the world, as a great neutral and commercial state; and asserted claims exceedingly vexatious and embarrassing to the belligerents, — though actually possessing, herself, neither the means nor the power to support and enforce her system of foreign policy. This peculiar and very remarkable anomaly in the situation and condition of the United States, imparted a very novel character to the wars in Europe, in themselves of an extraordinary description. Those wars have now ended; and (separate from some difficulties respecting the Turks and the Spanish islands in the West Indies) there is, unquestionably, the prospect of a long peace. But not one of the neutral doctrines, for which America has always contended, and from the violation of which she has suffered so much, has yet been secured by treaty stipulation. The only undoubted foundation, laid for peace, consists in the excellent domestic arrangements, nations appear to be making, for their own prosperity, welfare and safety. Congresses have settled many other matters, that were thought necessary for the repose of the world; but regulations for the determination and preservation of neutral rights, perhaps one of the most effectual methods of preventing wars, have not yet met with that serious and solemn attention, to which they are most justly entitled.