Continental Ordinance
The Continental Ordinance was drafted by King Augustus II of America after persuasion of his father-in-law, James Monroe. The Ordinance began as a royal decree, stating that America would refrain from the affairs of Europe, but would enforce the absence of European interference in the New World. The decree quickly became a treaty signed by many countries in the Americas, particularly the monarchies.
Purpose
To establish precedence of the affairs of the Old World and New.
Document Structure
Caveats
The Continental Ordinance requires the signatory to agree refraining from any involvement in European affairs outside of economic trade. This includes sending direct military support and granting asylum. Each new monarch, upon taking the throne, is expected to sign the Ordinance, and to use their diplomatic powers to enforce it.
Historical Details
Background
The Continental Ordinance was decreed following the War of the North between the Kingdom of America and British Colonial Forces of Canada. The purpose of the Ordinance was to eliminate any conflict between the affairs of Europe and the Americas.
History
The original signatories were the ruling monarchs of the American nations. With the declaration of independence of subsequent nations, they were diplomatically compelled into signing and agreeing to the Ordinance. Many of the refusing nations included Gran Colombia, though Simon Bolivar believed it would be beneficial to his dream of a united Spanish America.
Legacy
The Continental Ordinance was tested in 1830, when Emperor Pedro I attempted to abdicate and return to Portugal to defend his daughter's claim to the throne against his brother. However, America and Haiti made it clear that in doing so, Brazil would be without aid and support. Pedro I eventually decided to remain in Brazil and accept a more limited role in governance.
King Charles I of Argentina famously broke the accords of the Ordinance when he sent Argentine troops in 1854 to his held Duchy of Parma in Italy to reassert control after the assassination of his son. His grandson, Robert I, recalled the troops in 1864 at the onset of the Paraguayan War, and still held the ressentment from the other signitories during the War of the Pacific against Chile.
Type
Treaty, Diplomatic
Medium
Paper
Authors
Signatories (Organizations)
Comments