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The Anglo-Russo treaty of 1825
- The treaty of 1825 created boundaries between that of Russia’s possession of Alaska, and the Queens possessions in North America, which following confederation would become Yukon and British Columbia.
- Due to the rugged and mountainous terrain, neither signatories was willing to send surveyors to better define the land and its pinpoint boundary. this region was particularly sought after, as it was plentiful in terms of fish and other animals that were desirable to the fur-trade.
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American Acquisition of Alaska
- Following the end of the Crimean war, Russia’s international stature was diminishing, and as such it sought to devoid itself of any strategic vulnerability that other European empires may take advantage of. Russia exited the North American theater with its selling of Alaska to the United States for roughly 7.2 million dollars in 1867. In that same year, Canada was officially confederated; simultaneously, two new nations now sought establish sovereignty in a region that was increasing in value.
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Competing Perceptions
-Much of the Alaskan Boundary dispute was derived from differing interpretations of ambiguous, and primal international legislation between that of Russia and Great Britain, and Russia and the United States.
- Though the border was tame between that of Britain and the Russian empire under that period, Gibson notes that, “by 1888, there emerged a clear cut difference in opinion between Canadians and Americans on the meaning of the boundary provisions that were to be applied” (Gibson, 26.) -
Klondike Gold Rush
- Tensions on the Boundary would rise to a tipping point, with the discovery of Gold in the Klondike River. A rush of American gold-hunters from the panhandle into the Yukon was a clearly violation of Canada’s, and more importantly, the British Empires sovereignty; Further troubling was that any law-enforcement response to deter this would require passage through the Alaskan Panhandle to the Yukon, which required US approval; negotiation was required to resolve the situation before it escalated.
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The Canadian Disadvantage
-Canada did not yet have much sound beneath its steps, as a newly emerged nation that was distant from its imperial protector it had very little power to defend itself from the much larger United States. Furthermore, Alaska had been an American territory for almost 5 decades. As noted by Mr. Clifford Sifton in his parliamentary speech in February of 1898, the claim held by the United States had been in “undisputed possession for some time.” (Gibson, 27.) -
Troublesome Negotiations
Negotiations stumble over Britain's request for the Pyramid Handle. President McKinley was initially ready to concede the area, but was domestically pressured by merchants that feared Canadian access through Yukon would disrupt their monopoly, causing the US to reject the proposal.
- On October 3rd of 1899, a provisional border is established. -
Troublesome Future for the Empire
In the late 19th century, Britain's empire was feeling pressure from European militarization; the prospect of war with Germany seemed plausible. Furthermore, the Boer War further fueled European resentment towards the empire. Desperate to establish relationships outside of Europe, the impartial neutrality of the United States was vastly appealing. -
Foreshadows of War
"As the splendor of British Isolation faded rapidly amid the encircling gloom of European hostility, the British government learned to place a rising premium on the value of American friendship"(Gibson, 30.) -
Roosevelt and New Diplomacy
The dispute was also altered by the Assassination of President McKinley, who would be replaced by Theodore Roosevelt. President Roosevelt held strong, stubborn views on the hollowness of Canada's claims. Britain began pushing for an arbitration tribunal, but Roosevelt refused, until incidents brought by the gold rush incited Roosevelt to deploy a small contingency of American soldiers along the border; this encouraged him to seek arbitration to assist deescalation in the region. -
The Tribunal
Canada ratified the arbitration convention in January of 1902.
- The dispute was to be settled by a tribunal of 6 impartial Jurists, three were to be appointed by the United States and three from Canada and Britain.
- The Tribunal was to consider seven questions in relation to Articles III, IV, and V of the Treaty of 1825. -
Lack of Impartiality.
Two members appointed to be American Counsel were openly biased in favor of Canadian interests and did not constitute as impartial.
- Secretary of War Elihu Root was part of the Presidents Cabinet, and had open hostilities towards the Canadian position
- Senator George Turner of Washington also openly rejected Canada's basis of claims to the region, representing himself as being fully devoted to securing American Interests. -
Arbitration
American counsel successfully argued that in the treaty of 1825, Britain had failed to secure rights to southern region that was adjacent to the 55th parallel.
- Another important area of dispute was the Portland Channel, or more specifically, what the geographical boundaries of the Channel were; both countries had diverging views on the matter. -
Lord Alverstone
Lord Alverstone, chief justice of the Canadian appointments made it clear to his colleagues that Canada's claim to the Portland Channel was indisputable.
-It was then to much the surprise of his co-counsels that he voted in favor of the American position.
- His decision was reached on extra-judicial considerations; specifically to avoid another deadlock on the matter, whereas the other appointees strictly argued off the basis off law; His decision was controversial, but secured American praise. -
Legacy
The resolution in favor of the Americans made many Canadian's feel that they had been used as an offering for a Anglo-American friendship; the militancy of Europe encouraged Britain to make concessions.
- Important Moment for Canadian History; drew a distinction between the interests of Canada and her larger empire, and promoted a national identity that distinguished itself from Britain.
- Canada set up a department of External affairs in 1903, and negotiated independently with the US onwards.
