Before reading, define the following words: impressment, embargo
Dilemma Description: While France and Britain were at war in 1803, America enjoyed profitable trade with both countries. As long as the United States was not involved with either side, it had neutral rights, or the right to sail the seas and not take sides.
The U.S. enjoyed these rights for two years until 1805, which was when Britain blockaded the French coast and threatened to search all ships trading with France. France responded by searching and seizing ships trading with Britain.
The British needed sailors for their naval war against France because of the poorly conditioned British Royal Navy. Desperately in need of sailors the British stopped American ships at sea and force American sailors accused of being "British deserters." The impressments of sailors also claimed thousands of native-born and naturalized American citizens.
For example, in 1807 a British warship by the name of the Leopard, intercepted the American ship Chesapeake, and the British demanded to search the ship. The captain of the Chesapeake refused and the British opened fire, killing 3 Americans and wounding 18.
The U.S. enjoyed these rights for two years until 1805, which was when Britain blockaded the French coast and threatened to search all ships trading with France. France responded by searching and seizing ships trading with Britain.
The British needed sailors for their naval war against France because of the poorly conditioned British Royal Navy. Desperately in need of sailors the British stopped American ships at sea and force American sailors accused of being "British deserters." The impressments of sailors also claimed thousands of native-born and naturalized American citizens.
For example, in 1807 a British warship by the name of the Leopard, intercepted the American ship Chesapeake, and the British demanded to search the ship. The captain of the Chesapeake refused and the British opened fire, killing 3 Americans and wounding 18.