The caroline affair and the diplomatic crisis between britain and the united states in the period 1837-1841

Abstract

The Caroline affair has bsen one of the historical events of British American diplomacy since the War of 1812 to the Webster-Ashburton Treaty 1842. The beginning of accident was the destruction of the American Caroline ship by British Army torces in upper Canada on December 29, 1837. When the incident occurred, Britain’s and the United States' opinions on this issue was in stark contrast. The differences in opinions were the causes of tensions between the two countries. In the threat of war occurrence, Britain and the United States held talks on the Caroline affair. Caroline's handling of the problem had played a significant role in reducing tensions, paving the way for resolving conflicts in the relationship between the two countries through the Webster-Ashburton treaty in 1842. At the same time, this issue established new principles in international politics. This article is intended to contribute to the history of the Caroline affair, McLeod’s case and the history of British-American relations related to this issue from 1837 to 1841.