Secrets, Controversy, and the Treaty of New York

The article 'Secrets, Controversy, and the Treaty of New York' provides a comprehensive exploration of the Treaty of New York signed in 1790. It scrutinizes the treaty's historical underpinnings, its ramifications, and the contentious secret articles.

This meticulously researched piece illuminates the public discourse, objections, and controversies surrounding the secret articles, offering an insightful analysis of their enduring impact on federal law, Native American relations, and the formation of Mississippi and Alabama territories and states.

The article also recommends additional resources for those seeking a deeper understanding of this significant treaty and its lasting repercussions.

Key Takeaways

The Treaty of New York in 1790 had several secret articles that were kept hidden from the majority of Creek leaders.
These secret articles included provisions such as shifting trade goods through American ports instead of Spanish territory and providing special treatment and benefits to select Creek chiefs, including a yearly stipend and making Alexander McGillivray a brigadier general.
There was controversy surrounding the implementation of the secret articles, with public debate and objections regarding federal law in Creek territory and the preferential treatment of McGillivray.
Although the drafters publicly agreed to delete the secret articles, some of them were quietly implemented. These secret articles were not made public until 1848, long after the treaty was signed.

Treaty of New York Background

The Treaty of New York was signed in 1790 with the primary objectives of ending the Spanish monopoly of trade with the Creeks, limiting British influence, and asserting U.S. authority to treat with the Creek Nation.

The impact of the treaty was significant as it established lasting peace and friendship between the parties, confirmed federal government's exclusive authority for foreign relations, and led to the establishment of Mississippi and Alabama territories and states.

However, the treaty was not without controversy. There was public debate and objections regarding federal law in Creek territory, the special treatment of Alexander McGillivray, and the implementation of secret articles.

The controversy surrounding the treaty and the implementation of its secret articles remained a point of contention, with some provisions not being made public until 1848.

Terms and Provisions

Discussing the terms and provisions of the Treaty of New York, the agreement outlined the legal framework and specific actions taken by the signing parties to address various aspects of their relationship.

The treaty stipulated that Creek prisoners were to be returned from American custody and that the Creeks ceded land belonging to the Oconee Indians, with specified survey procedures.

It also declared that Creeks and Seminoles within the U.S. would be subject to federal laws, while those in Florida remained subject to Spanish law.

Additionally, the treaty restricted the British right to passage through Creek lands.

These provisions aimed to establish clear guidelines for the governance, territorial rights, and legal jurisdiction over the various parties involved, marking a significant step in shaping the future relationship between the United States and the Creek and Seminole Nations.

The Secret Articles

The Secret Articles of the Treaty of New York remained undisclosed to the majority of Creek leaders, revealing significant exclusive agreements that were quietly put into effect. This lack of transparency led to several objections from Creek leaders, particularly regarding the special treatment of select chiefs and the adoption of mainstream American culture by educated Native American youth.

The objections stemmed from the perceived unfairness of the undisclosed agreements and the potential impact on Creek society. Additionally, the implementation of the secret articles facilitated the adoption of mainstream American culture by educated Native Americans, further contributing to the controversy surrounding the treaty.

Controversy and Implementation

Amid the signing of the Treaty of New York, controversy arose over the implementation of its provisions and the undisclosed secret articles. Public debate ensued regarding federal law in Creek territory and the special treatment of Alexander McGillivray.

Despite public agreement to delete the secret articles, some were quietly implemented, without the majority of Creek leaders being informed. These unilateral actions led to objections and further controversy.

The treaty confirmed the federal government's exclusive authority for foreign relations but also led to the establishment of Mississippi and Alabama territories and states. The controversy surrounding the treaty's implementation and the undisclosed secret articles remained a point of contention until the secret articles were finally made public in 1848, shedding light on the contentious implementation process.

Impact on Federal Authority

Influencing the federal government's exclusive authority for foreign relations, the Treaty of New York significantly impacted the balance of power in the region. This impact on federal power and sovereignty was notable for several reasons:

Asserted Federal Authority: The treaty asserted the federal government's authority to negotiate and establish treaties with Native American nations, thereby strengthening federal power over foreign relations.
Limitation of State Sovereignty: The treaty's provisions limited the ability of individual states, such as Georgia, to unilaterally engage in foreign relations, emphasizing the supremacy of federal authority in this realm.
Establishment of a Framework for Foreign Relations: The treaty set a precedent for the federal government's role in managing foreign relations, laying the groundwork for future diplomatic endeavors and shaping the evolving concept of federal authority in international affairs.

This reshaping of the balance of power underscored the treaty's enduring significance in the realm of federal authority and foreign relations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Were the Specific Provisions of the Secret Articles of the Treaty of New York?

The specific provisions of the secret articles of the Treaty of New York included provisions for shifting trade goods through American ports, a yearly stipend for select Creek chiefs, and the education and clothing of Creek youth. These secret articles had a significant impact on the relationship between the parties.

How Did the Implementation of the Secret Articles Impact the Relationship Between the U.S. Government and the Creek and Seminole Nations?

The implementation of the secret articles significantly impacted the U.S. government's relationship with the Creek and Seminole Nations. It affected diplomatic relations, tribal sovereignty, and the implementation of the Treaty, shaping the course of future interactions.

What Were the Objections Raised Regarding the Special Treatment of Alexander Mcgillivray and How Were They Addressed?

Objections were raised regarding the special treatment of Alexander McGillivray in the Treaty of New York. The controversy was addressed through public debate and apparent deletion of the secret articles, while quietly implementing some provisions.

How Did the Treaty of New York Impact the Establishment of Mississippi and Alabama Territories and States?

The Treaty of New York, through its provisions and diplomatic relations, significantly impacted the establishment of Mississippi and Alabama territories and states, contributing to territorial expansion and affirming the federal government's exclusive authority for foreign relations.

How Did the Treaty of New York Confirm the Federal Government's Exclusive Authority for Foreign Relations?

The Treaty of New York confirmed the federal government's exclusive authority for foreign relations by asserting U.S. jurisdiction over Creek and Seminole nations, setting terms for indigenous governance, and impacting territorial establishment in Mississippi and Alabama.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Treaty of New York, signed in 1790, continues to have a lasting impact on federal law and Native American relations.

The inclusion of secret articles in the treaty sparked public debate and objections, leading to controversy and implementation challenges.

The treaty ultimately played a significant role in the establishment of Mississippi and Alabama territories and states.

Interestingly, over 20 million acres of land were ceded to the U.S. government by the Creek and Seminole Nations as part of this historic agreement.

Our Reader’s Queries

What was the significance of the Treaty of New York?

The outcome was the Treaty of New York, which returned some of the lands taken from the Creeks in their agreements with Georgia and offered substantial annual payments for the remaining land. Additionally, it implemented a plan for assimilation known as “civilization,” with the goal of connecting tribes to permanent land settlements.

Which treaty dissolved the Creek Nation in Alabama?

The Creek National Council gave up their land east of the Mississippi and moved to Oklahoma after signing the Treaty of Cusseta in 1832. Some Muscogee people left Alabama before that, but most were forced to relocate during the Trail of Tears in 1834.

What were the New York treaties?

The Treaty of New York can mean the following agreements: The Treaty of New York (1790) made between the United States and the Creek Indians. The Treaty of New York (1796) created between New York State and the Seven Nations of Canada. The Treaty of New York (1826) is also known as the Ocmulgee National Monument.

Which man negotiated the Treaty of New York in 1790?

In 1790, the Treaty of New York was signed by Muscogee leaders and U.S. Secretary of War Henry Knox, under George Washington’s presidency.

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