Existing comment:
The War of 1812
1812-1815
During the early 19th century, America was caught up in the Napoleonic Wars -- the global struggle between Britain and France. British restrictions on American trade, violations of neutral rights and territorial waters, and the illegal blockade of European ports outraged the American public.
The practice of British naval commanders to conscript or "press" sailors from American merchant vessels into the British Navy was particularly galling. Between 1798 and 1812, nearly 10,000 American servicemen were so victimized. The American outcry against impressment increased in June 1807 when HMS Leopard fired on US frigate Chesapeake, killing three and wounding sixteen men. Chesapeake was then boarded and searched so that the British could reclaim four "deserters."
On 18 June 1812, with a total of 18 warships and a scattering of gunboats, the United States declared war on Great Britain, the greatest sea power in the world. |