jan 1, 1803 - Great Britain Impresses Americans Sailors into Service

Description:

Throughout of Great Britain's History from the 14th century, and beyond the British was known for its very prestigious navy. British recruitment and treatment of sailors was very harsh which lead to vast amounts of deserters in the Royal Navy. Great Britain to make up for these losses, the British would claim to know of deserters in the navy, and force ably add them to the navy. However, as the Napoleonic Wars raged the need for more sailors rose. This lead to the impressment of American sailors deserters or not into the Royal Navy. This was considered an insult by the United States government, and is considered one of the underlying causes of the War of 1812.