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The American Revolution as affected by the Muslim World – Part I
(Continued - Page 4)
Treaty of Navigation and Commerce
In 1829 Andrew Jackson was elected as the seventh President of the United States. One of the first foreign policy agenda was to formalize a treaty and establish trading relations with the Ottomans. He was determined to see that the American flag in Istanbul should have the same respect as any European power.
Jackson appointed a team of three members to negotiate the terms of the treaty: David Offley, U.S. Navy Commodore James Biddle and a businessman from New York, Charles Rhind. Negotiations were kept secret from the British and other European powers.It started at Istanbul in February 1830 and it was signed on May 7, 1830. The “Treaty of Navigation and Commerce” was a major foreign policy achievement for President Jackson.
This was a turning point for our young nation, the United States, to gain access to such a culturally rich market. The huge door of Trade and Commerce was opened for American business and products. The Ottoman territory was as big as the European Market. A large number of Americans had a negative image of Arabs and Muslims. The Arabs also thought that Americans are a “savage and uncivilized people.”
This Treaty provided an opportunity for both civilizations to promote a cordial relationship with each other. Jackson and the Sultan expressed very friendly feelings for each other.
Andrew Jackson was determined to improve the American image and to promote a friendly relationship with the Ottomans. Within a few decades after independence, the United States became a technologically advanced country. The American Navy was catching up very rapidly with the naval supremacy of Great Britain.
America signed an agreement with the Ottomans to upgrade their Navy, weapons and armaments. The United States sold frigates, corvettes and brigs. Under the American supervision a naval shipyard was established in Istanbul to build small battle ships, frigates and including the world’s largest battleship, 934 ton “Mahmud”. American advisers and trainers were assigned to work with Ottoman cadets.
The Treaty of Navigation and Commerce proved to be a turning point for America to enjoy the benefits of security for their citizens in the Orient (Middle East). A huge consumer market was available to sell American made household goods.
In 1831, the Jackson administration appointed David Porter to be the first American Charge d’affaires in Istanbul. Sultan Mahmud was very happy with his work. He elevated Porter to the position of an Ambassador. He was America’s first Ambassador in the Middle East.
For Part two, please read in the next issue of: www.journalofamerica.net
Syed R. Mahmood is the Founding President of American Institute of International Studies. He was also the Republican Congressional Candidate 13th District, 2002, Fremont, California.
Bibliography
Amir Muhammad: The early History, Pre Columbus and Pre Slavery Years. www.Muslimsinamerica.org
Brooke Allen: Moral Minority, Our Skeptical Founding Fathers, Ivan R. Dee, Publisher. 2006.
Carter Smith: U.S. President, all you need to know. - Hylas Publishing 2004, 2005
James H. Hutson: The Founding Fathers and Islam,Library of Congress Information Bulletin, May 2002 – Vol 61, No. 5
Kevin J. Hayes: Thomas Jefferson read the Qur’an, University of Central Oklahoma
Early American Literature: Volume 39, Number 2 1982 -2004 The H.W. Wilson Company
Michael B. Oren: Power, Faith and Fantasy: America in the Middle East; 1776 –to present.
Michael Weber: The American Revolution, 2000 - Steck – Vaughn Company
Rebecca Brown: Jefferson’s Religious Beliefs, Monticello Research Department, August 1997
The Constitution of the United States of America
Thomas Jefferson: The Declaration of Independence, United States of America - July 4, 1776
Wikipedia: the free Encyclopedia. First Barbary War, Mach 3, 2010
Read: Part II of The American Revolution as affected by the Muslim World
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