22 juin 1807 - Chesapeake-Leopard Affair

Description:

In 1807, an incident between a British warship, the Leopard, and a U.S. warship, the Chesapeake, enraged Americans and almost sparked a war. Leopard fired upon Chesapeake, killing three Americans and the capture and impressment of four others into the British navy. The vessel made a tempting target for the crew of the Leopard who intercepted it off the coast of Virginia and aimed to take revenge, with its decks littered with cargo and its weapons unwisely stowed. Unfortunately, Chesapeake was only able to fire one shot. Chesapeake was gunned down after not
allowing the Royal navy to search for any deserters. Ill-equipped, Chesapeake was captured and Chesapeake's captain submitted his ship to the British. Anti-British feelings and the demand for the war fell upon American citizens. However, in response to the crisis President Jefferson turned to diplomacy and
economic pressure. This affair was one of the factors that led up to the war of 1812.

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