Why the British navy set up blockades in the war of 1812

Words to Knowīlockade: Barriers positioned at a seaport entrance to prevent ships from entering or leaving.įrigate: A sailing warship with tall masts and numerous large guns, sometimes positioned on two levels of decks.

Having maintained only a small army and almost no navy for the last twelve years, the United States was unprepared for the battle ahead. The resulting War of 1812 (1812–15), also referred to as the Second War for Independence, was a near disaster for the young nation. Newly elected Democratic-Republican congressmen from the South and West, Congress declared war on Britain in June 1812. The Democratic-Republican Party, which had long proclaimed allegiance to a friendship with France and disdained Britain, now controlled the presidency and Congress. Despite many attempts to reason with Britain and France, the two nations continued seizing U.S. The nation did not yet have the capability to manufacture its own supply of goods. Freedom to pursue international trade was crucial for farmers to ship produce to overseas markets and for merchants to import manufactured goods from Europe. Since the mid-1790s, the United States had struggled to defend its freedom of the seas through diplomatic means, primarily treaty negotiations with Britain and France. After enduring years of this treatment, the United States decided to go to war to gain some international respect.

If either side caught American ships trading with the enemy, they would seize the ships and the sailors on board.

merchant ships continued to trade with both of the warring countries, but neither Britain nor France would allow them to do so without risk. In the early 1800s, Britain and France were at war with each other, but the United States remained neutral, refusing to take sides.

Why the British navy set up blockades in the war of 1812