ABSTRACT
The ineffectiveness of American foreign policy in the years from 1807 to 1811 had become a source of disgust to many Americans. It was quite clear that neither Great Britain nor France had respect for the young republic. The United States and the two European belligerents had totally different interpretations of the status of neutrals in wartime. The British believed that neutrals had no basis for objection when Britain used her naval power to defeat the French. Deserters could not be allowed to leave with impunity and sail on American ships. Also, if American vessels were aiding the French by carrying goods to and from French possessions, then the British government felt justified in using every possible means to stop them. American distinctions between real and paper blockades were looked upon as quibbles. The British felt justified in scouring the seas for ships that were aiding the enemy, and if neutral ships were aiding the enemy then they were fair prey.
