What was the main purpose of the Jay Treaty of 1794?

The main purpose of the Jay Treaty of 1794 was to address ongoing tensions between the United States and Great Britain, particularly the issue of British impressment of American sailors. The treaty was negotiated by John Jay and aimed to resolve several outstanding issues from the Revolutionary War, including British occupation of forts in the Northwest Territory and trade disputes. While it did not fully eliminate the practice of impressment, it sought to mitigate conflicts and stabilize relations, ultimately allowing the United States to take a step towards economic independence and security.

By resolving some of these contentious points, the Jay Treaty helped to lay the groundwork for future diplomatic engagements and attempted to secure a more favorable relationship between the young nation and Britain, highlighting the importance of managing international relations as a fledgling country.