Sunday, May 2, 2010

Seafaring Sunday: Escalating Tensions

USS Wasp vs HMS Frolic October 1812 (source)

May 1, 1810: in retaliation for continued disrespect of America's Navy abroad, the U.S. closed her waters to all armed British and French ships. This action remembered the short lived and naval only Quasi-War with France as well as addressing the issue of British impressment of American seaman. The U.S. Navy had standing orders to sink or take as prize any ship that ignored the ban. Tensions continued to escalate with Britain, leading eventually to the War of 1812.

2 comments:

Timmy! said...

Ahoy, Pauline! The U.S. Navy says, "Respect my authoritah!"... Or something like that. Cool picture, too , Pirate Queen.

Pauline said...

Ahoy, Timmy! I just love that the British ship is named "Frolic".