1778-February-06: The Treaty of Amity and Commerce was signed, which established the formal framework for economic relations between France and the new Unite…

1778-February-06: The Treaty of Amity and Commerce was signed, which established the formal framework for economic relations between France and the new United States. While the treaty generally limited most-favored-nation status to French ports in Europe, it did include a commitment to keep existing free ports in the Caribbean open to Americans. A specific clause originally intended to exempt American molasses from duties in exchange for a ban on American export taxes for French goods destined for the islands. Although this clause was later rejected by the Continental Congress due to domestic political opposition, it signaled the importance of Saint-Domingue to the American economy. Logan argues that the treaty solidified the role of the United States as a strategic “complement” to the French West Indian colonies.