The Treaty of Washington was signed on May 8, 1871, between the United States and Great Britain. It aimed to resolve various disputes stemming from the American Civil War, particularly regarding the actions of British-built ships, like the CSS Alabama, that had attacked Union vessels. The treaty established a commission to address claims for damages and set the stage for improved diplomatic relations. One significant outcome of the treaty was the establishment of the Alabama Claims Commission, which awarded the United States $15.5 million in damages. This agreement marked a turning point in U.S.-British relations, fostering a more cooperative partnership in the years that followed.