Chapter Eighteen: Problems with Great Britain
Chapter Eighteen: Problems with Great Britain
After bringing back its fleet to the home isles and repairing It, Great Britain was itching for revenge against France for its involvement in the American independence war. In 1796, the British joined Austria against the French. Upon going to war against France, the British Royal Navy began intercepting ships of neutral countries bound for French ports. The French imported large amounts of American foodstuffs, and the British hoped to starve the French into defeat by intercepting these shipments. The British hoped to make life harder for the American’s while also stretching the French fleet further.
In November 1798, the British government widened the scope of these seizures to include any neutral ships trading with the French West Indies, including those flying the American flag. Americans were outraged, and angry protests erupted in several cities. Many in Congress demanded a declaration of war, but Secretary of state James Madison instead called for strong economic retaliation, including an embargo on all trade with Britain. Congress responded to these "outrages" by passing a 30-day embargo on all British shipping, foreign and domestic, in American harbours. The move did not stop the British however who continued their attacks. Worsening relations sand increasing tension between America and Great Britain.
In November 1798, the British government widened the scope of these seizures to include any neutral ships trading with the French West Indies, including those flying the American flag. Americans were outraged, and angry protests erupted in several cities. Many in Congress demanded a declaration of war, but Secretary of state James Madison instead called for strong economic retaliation, including an embargo on all trade with Britain. Congress responded to these "outrages" by passing a 30-day embargo on all British shipping, foreign and domestic, in American harbours. The move did not stop the British however who continued their attacks. Worsening relations sand increasing tension between America and Great Britain.