ABSTRACT

The French were less oppressive in dealing with American shipping because they were weaker at sea, and because their true interest lay in encouraging neutral shipping to replace those French ships that British naval power kept from the seas. Yet the French realized that Britain was greatly helped by its extensive trade with the United States. They also realized that the war against them was financed by the British ability to sell goods throughout the world. Napoleon wished to keep those British goods he did not need out of French-occupied ports. He was also ready to seize American ships when he had the opportunity.