Freedom of Seas and Wars with Europe

FREEDOM OF SEAS AND WARS WITH EUROPE

War of 1812 The Great War (WWI), 1917 Background France and England went to war in 1793 War began in Europe in July 1914 over European rivalries Central powers (Germany et al) fought Both countries asked US for assistance against Allied powers (France, England US refused and both countries seized et al) American ships and cargoes Both Germany and England blockaded England seized American men as well their enemies (impressments) German submarines sank shipping without warning England searched American ships Presidents Thomas Jefferson /Woodrow Wilson James Madison Action to Stay Withheld trade by Neutrality proclamation Neutral  Embargo Act, 1807 Lusitania protest  Non-Intercourse Act, 1809 Sussex pledge to stop the use of U-boats  Macon’s Bill #2, 1810 against neutral shipping

Major Events Chesapeake-Leopard clash in 1807 Lusitania sunk May 1915 (1,400 killed) Thousands of men seized by British Sussex pledge issued in 1916 (1803-1812) Zimmerman note 1917 (Germany Hundreds of American ships searched proposed an alliance with Mexico and seized by British and French against US Outcome War declared against England in June War declared against Germany April 1812 1917 Comments War supported by South and West Germany’s unrestricted submarine “War Hawks” like Henry Clay and John warfare led to war with Germany C. Calhoun pushed the president into England seized many ships but did not war, had hopes US would gain Canada take lives by victory US waged war “to make world safe for New England shippers opposed war, democracy” calling it Mr. Madison’s War US did not formally join military War divided the country, yet Madison alliance with England and France. won re-election in 1812

Source: Henry, Michael. Threads of History. Saddle Brook, NJ: The Peoples Publishing Group, 2006