What is the British practice of capturing U.S. sailors and forcing them to serve on British ships?
llm
Answered on
- The British practice of capturing U.S. sailors and forcing them to serve on British ships is known as "impressment." Impressment was particularly prevalent in the 18th and early 19th centuries. British Royal Navy ships would stop American merchant vessels and take, or "impress," their sailors into service on British ships against their will. This was one of the key grievances that led to the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain.
- Impressment became a significant issue for the young United States as it infringed on American sovereignty and the rights of its citizens. At that time, Britain was engaged in a series of conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars, and faced a chronic shortage of sailors. To maintain their naval strength, British warships would board American merchant ships and claim that some of their crew were either deserters from the Royal Navy or British subjects eligible for conscription.