Treaty between the USA and Tripolitania, ratified in 1797, and remembered for its position on church-state separation
The Treaty of Tripoli secured U.S. shipping rights in the Mediterranean and is cited in church-state debates for its Article 11 language.
Key Facts
- Signed in Tripoli
- November 4, 1796
- Signed at Algiers (witness)
- January 3, 1797
- U.S. Senate ratification
- June 7, 1797 — unanimous, without debate
- Effective date
- June 10, 1797
- Author
- Joel Barlow
- Superseded by
- Treaty of Peace and Amity, June 4, 1805
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
American merchant vessels operating in the Mediterranean faced persistent threats from Barbary pirates based in Tripolitania and neighboring states. The United States sought formal agreements to secure commercial shipping rights and protect its ships and crews from piracy and seizure.
Authored by Joel Barlow and signed in Tripoli on November 4, 1796, the Treaty of Tripoli established peace and friendship between the United States and Tripoli. It was ratified unanimously by the U.S. Senate on June 7, 1797, and signed into effect by President John Adams on June 10, 1797, requiring the U.S. to pay tributes to Tripolitania.
President Thomas Jefferson refused to continue the tribute payments stipulated by the treaty, partially triggering the First Barbary War. The treaty was superseded by the Treaty of Peace and Amity in 1805. Its English-language Article 11 — stating the U.S. government is not founded on Christianity — became a lasting reference in debates over religion in American public life.
Political Outcome
Treaty ratified unanimously; secured U.S. shipping rights in the Mediterranean against Barbary piracy in exchange for tribute payments to Tripolitania.