Treaty of Washington (1871)

The Treaty of Washington was ratified in 1871 following negotiations to settle outstanding Anglo-American differences. Among other outcomes it opened the inshore fisheries of the Maritime provinces to American fishermen without a quid pro quo such as reciprocity. Many at the time considered the treaty a British sell-out of Canadian interests. Nevertheless, the agreement marked the first time a Canadian was part of the British delegation. The fisheries were to be opened to the Americans, at a price, for a period of 12 years, but Canadian rights were established.