Chap. 10 The Webster-Ashburton Treaty

How did Webster solve the problem?

Franklin had marked the boundary between Maine and Canada with a heavy red line, but no one could find the map. So, Webster obtained an old map of the area and had someone mark off in read a line that followed the British version of the boundary. He showed this document to representatives of Maine and Massachusetts, convincing them that they had better agree to his compromise before the British got wind of it and demanded the whole region.

What was the one of the reasons Webster decided to remain in the Cabinet?

His desire to settle the boundary between Maine and New Brunswick

What was the intent of the peace treaty of 1783 and what was the reality?

Intent: to award to the U.S. all land in the area drained by rivers flowing into the Atlantic rather than into the St. Lawrence Reality: wording was obscure and old maps conflicting

Why was the Webster-Ashburton Treaty regarded as a diplomatic triumph?

Lord Ashburton, happy that he obtained the strategic territory, made concessions elsewhere along the Canadian and American border. War or any unsettled affairs would have injured vital business relations.

What truth later came out about the Franklin map?

That the British had the true copy of the Franklin map, which showed that the entire are rightfully belonged to the United States.

Why the compromising easy to accomplish?

The British needed only a small part of the territory to build a military road connecting Halifax and Quebec, and Webster wanted to eliminate a possible cause of war.

What problem did Webster face?

The problem of placating Maine and Massachusetts, which wanted every acre of the land in dispute

How did the settling of outstanding disputes go between Webster and Ashburton?

They easily worked out a compromise

Did this settlement with Great Britain win support in every section of the U.S.?

Yes