Ottoman Algeria in Western Diplomatic History with ... - Bibliothèque

elations between Algiers and western countries. Overall, Algiers observed
strictly the terms of the concluded treaties, particularly those relating to
captives and passports. 48
The signatory counterparts, however, had little
consideration for Algerian captives and even less for tribute. Most often they
only honored their commitments as long as Algiers had sufficient deterrence
power to insure the respect of treaties. Nonetheless, as soon as the balance of
power shifted, either as a result of political alliances, naval technological
advances, or merely peace between belligerent western countries, the western
powers hastened their squadrons to Algiers and imposed new treaties favorable
to themselves. 49
Treaties between Algiers and the Christian powers were generally
concluded by navy admirals who negotiated while pointing the cannons of their
warships towards Algiers. Because negotiations were carried while
accompanied by a demonstration of naval might, that form of diplomatic
conduct was later tagged ‘gunboat diplomacy.’ During the 17 th
and 18 th
centuries, this early form of negotiations had proved to be more or less
effective for the Europeans as long as they could obtain concessions from
Algiers and achieve favorable terms. By 1815-1816, however, it turned out to
be deadly effective as it reached a non-return point. After an American
squadron concluded a favorable treaty at gunpoint, a joint bombardment carried
48 An American envoy to Algiers reported in 1786 that “their [Algerine] treaties are sometimes broken,
but not often.” USDC, 3:87, From John Lamb to Thomas Jefferson, May 20, 1786; also, ibid., 6:29,
From John Temple to John Jay, June 7, 1786.
49 In 1815, for example, within one week after the signature of the treaty of Ghent which ended war
between the United States and Great Britain, the American Congress declared war on Algiers and sent
two squadrons to the Bay of Algiers.
123