Treaty of Amiens

25 March 1802

The Treaty of Amiens was sought by Britain, following Austria's peace with France, and Napoleon Bonaparte, wanting a breathing space, agreed.

Several recent military successes - Copenhagen and Egypt - should have improved Britain's negotiating position but, in fact, seemed to do little.

Under the treaty, Britain was to give up most of its islands in the West Indies, Egypt and Ceylon, while France would hand over the Papal States and the Two Sicilies. It would also keep the northern Italian lands of Piedmont and the important areas on the French side of the Rhine.

Despite the good terms for France the treaty would last less than a year before the nations again went to war.