What does it take to secure a treaty?
Step into the shoes of diplomats from the 1700s in this immersive treaty-writing activity that brings 18th-century international relations to life!
Set against the backdrop of a young nation fighting for independence, students will explore how American diplomats sought support from global powers—France and the Lenape Nation—to secure military aid, supplies, and international legitimacy, culminating in the negotiation of a pivotal treaty with Great Britain to end the Revolutionary War and establish peace formally.
As students engage in treaty negotiations and writing, they will examine the strategic interests of each nation, the challenges of diplomacy, and the delicate balancing act of aligning goals among diverse allies. They will identify the key steps of treaty-making, understand the roles of various diplomatic stakeholders, and craft agreements that reflect both historical context and the pressing needs of the Revolution.
Video
Treaties and alliances are two ways the United States formalizes agreements with other countries and international organizations. Treaties are written agreements between nations or between…
Also available in Español
Simulation
In 1793, Algerine corsairs captured 11 more American ships and 100 citizens, prompting a commercial and humanitarian crisis that could not be ignored.
Activity
At its core, diplomacy is about communication, compromise, and finding solutions everyone can agree on. And on a global scale, it’s what keeps countries talking…
