Synthesized answer
The "Alabama" Arbitration is presented as a significant example of how historical events, specifically the secession of Southern States and the subsequent American Civil War, led to the development of juridical principles like international arbitration [2]. The conflict began in 1861 with the secession of Southern States and hostilities, prompting President Lincoln to declare a blockade of southern ports [2]. The United States government then brought grievances against Great Britain related to the building and equipping of Confederate vessels, such as the "Alabama," on British territory, and Great Britain's recognition of the Southern States as belligerents [3]. This led to diplomatic correspondence and eventually the appointment of a commission in 1871 to find a settlement [3].
The text illustrates the interplay by showing how the "Alabama" claims, arising directly from the Civil War, prompted a move towards arbitration as a means of resolving disputes and averting war [2]. The American commissioners initially insisted that principles governing the arbitrators be agreed upon before arbitration [1]. This led to the agreement on three specific rules to apply, which were to govern…
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
. With respect to the “Alabama” claims the British commissioners suggested that they should be submitted to arbitration. The American commissioners refused “unless the principles which should govern the arbitrators in the consideration of the facts could be first agreed upon.” After some discussion the British commissioners consented that the three following rules should apply.
← Alabama 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica , Volume 1 "Alabama" Arbitration by Montague Hughes Crackanthorpe Alabama River → See also Alabama Claims on Wikipedia ; and our 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica disclaimer . 244259 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica , Volume 1 — "Alabama" Arbitration Montague Hughes Crackanthorpe “ALABAMA” ARBITRATION. —This is one of those arbitrations on pecuniary claims, made by one state, on behalf of its subjects, against another state, which are referred to in the article Arbitration, International . The case is important, both from a historical and a juridical point of…
rpool in two British ships. Captain Semmes there took command of her under a commission from the Confederate government. After a most destructive career she was sunk off Cherbourg by the “Kearsarge” on the 19th of June 1864. On these facts the United States government alleged against Great Britain two grievances, or sets of grievances. The first was the recognition of the Southern States as belligerents and a general manifestation of unfriendliness in other ways. The second was in respect of breaches of neutrality in allowing the “Alabama,” the “Florida” (originally the “Oreto”, the…
appointed by the three neutral powers were Count Sclopis (Italy), M. Staempfli (Switzerland), Baron d’Itajuba (Brazil). The first meeting of the tribunal took place on the 15th of December 1871 in the Hôtel de Ville, Geneva. As soon as the cases had been formally presented, the tribunal adjourned till the following June. There followed immediately a controversy which threatened the collapse of the arbitration. It was found that in the American case damages were claimed not only for the property destroyed by the Confederate cruisers, but in respect of certain other matters known as “indirect…
decided by a majority of the arbitrators, and each of the contracting parties was to name one person to attend as agent. Article 6 provided that the arbitrators should be governed by the three rules quoted above, and by such principles of international law not inconsistent therewith as the arbitrators should determine to be applicable to the case. By the same article the parties agreed to observe these rules as between themselves in future, and to bring them to the knowledge of other maritime powers. Article 7 provided that the decision should be made within three months from the close of the…
More questions about this book
- How would you explain the fundamental issue at the heart of the "Alabama" Arbitration to someone completely unfamiliar with the American Civil War or international law, using only the information presented here?
- The text states Britain issued a "proclamation of neutrality" while also detailing the construction of the "Alabama" in England. How do these two facts, when considered together, reveal complexities or contradictions inherent in maintaining international neutrality?
- The excerpt highlights the "value of arbitration as a means of averting war." Based on the sequence of events described, what specific actions or circumstances in the "Alabama" case demonstrate *how* arbitration served this purpose?
- Beyond the "Alabama" itself, what broader implications can be drawn from the Confederates' ability to establish "agencies in England for the purchase of arms" regarding the enforcement of international law and the responsibilities of neutral nations during conflict?