Treaty with Tunis (1797)
Encyclopedia
The Treaty with Tunis was signed on August 28, 1797, between the United States of America and the "Barbary State" of Tunis
, nominally part of the Ottoman Empire
. As the treaty provided in Article One:
The treaty is notable because of its religious language in the opening statement, namely recognizing the President of the United States of America as "the most distinguished among those who profess the religion of the Messiah, of whom may the end be happy." Because of the presence of this clause, W.C. Anderson makes the argument that Christianity
is adopted by this treaty.
The treaty provided protection to Americans
at a cost higher than the Treaty of Tripoli imposed.
Tunis
Tunis is the capital of both the Tunisian Republic and the Tunis Governorate. It is Tunisia's largest city, with a population of 728,453 as of 2004; the greater metropolitan area holds some 2,412,500 inhabitants....
, nominally part of the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
. As the treaty provided in Article One:
- There shall be a perpetual and constant peace between the United States of America and the magnificent Pasha, Bey of Tunis, and also a permanent friendship, which shall more and more increase.
The treaty is notable because of its religious language in the opening statement, namely recognizing the President of the United States of America as "the most distinguished among those who profess the religion of the Messiah, of whom may the end be happy." Because of the presence of this clause, W.C. Anderson makes the argument that Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
is adopted by this treaty.
The treaty provided protection to Americans
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
at a cost higher than the Treaty of Tripoli imposed.