Quasi-War

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The Quasi-War, 1798 to 1800, was an undeclared war between the United States and the French First Republic. It was fought almost entirely at sea, primarily in the Caribbean and off the East Coast of the United States, with minor actions in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. In 1793, Congress suspended repayment of loans made by France during the American Revolutionary War. This was followed in 1794 by the Jay Treaty with Great Britain, then engaged in the War of the First Coalition with France. The French government responded by permitting privateer attacks on American ships trading with Britain, which in October 1796 was expanded to cover all ships operating in American waters, regardless of nationality. The United States was initially unable to mount an effective response, with over 316 American ships captured in the first year. Congress reconstituted the United States Navy, and in July 1798 approved the use of force against France. By 1799, losses had been significantly reduced...

Read on Wikipedia · Image Rear Admiral John William Schmidt (Ret.) (1906–1981), Public domain