Objectives and Tactics of the Quasi-War In April 1798, France's rejection of a diplomatic solution resulted in outrage in the United States. Although Adams refused to call for a declaration of war, Congress was free to approve financial support for a buildup of the army and navy. The primary and earliest objective of the war was to rid the U.S. coastline of French "pirates" who were preying on American shipping. In May 1798, Congress authorized U.S. warships to seize "armed vessels under authority or pretense of authority from the Republic of France" when they were found operating in American coastal waters. In July 1799, the scope was widened, allowing U.S. commanders and privateers to take French armed vessels anywhere in the world. Within a matter of months, French privateers had been removed from the coastal waters of the United States. U.S. strategy during the Quasi-War was based in part on an unofficial maritime alliance with Great Britain. By allying with the most powerful navy in the world, the United States received support in the North Atlantic and the West Indies--the theater that proved to be the major area of operations during the war. Beyond attacking French privateers and naval vessels, the ships of the U.S. Navy were active in convoying and protecting American merchant shipping. President Adams saw the war as a means of persuading France and other world powers to respect America's rights on the oceans and her right to free trade as a neutral and independent nation.
Continue to:
|
![[ Navigation Bar ]](http://www.mariner.org/resources/navigation.gif){kind=small}