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Treaty of Ghent: Primary Documents in American History

On December 24, 1814, the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812. This guide provides access to digital materials at the Library of Congress, links to external websites, and a print bibliography.

Introduction

The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. Peace negotiations began in Ghent, Belgium, starting in August of 1814. The Americans peace commissioners were John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, Albert Gallatin, James A. Bayard, Sr., and Jonathan Russell. After four months of talks, the treaty was signed on December 24, 1814. The Senate unanimously ratified the Treaty of Ghent on February 16, 1815.