Franco-American Wars
The Franco-American Wars were a series of conflicts between the Kingdom of America and the Republic of France and their Spanish allies. The conflict was waged primarily at sea and the Louisiana Territory. Despite a brief respite from 1801 to 1803, the conflict was began again at the death of Crown Prince Louis Ferdinand. These Wars coincided with the Wars of the Second and Third Coalitions in Europe.
The Conflict
Prelude
Relations between America and France had been deteriorating since the French Revolution. The French Provisional Government reportedly snubbed the American diplomats, including John Marshall and Elbridge Gerry. Relations decreased further when American merchant ships began getting harassed, causing America to declare war.
Deployment
The American Navy was severely outnumbered by what the provisional republican government could muster. As a response, King Henry I of America authorized the creation of ships-of-the-line and frigates, the conversion of merchant ships, and ordered the capture of as many French warships as possible. This saw the American navy double its capability.
American sailors employed and trained volunteers from Haiti. This saw the Haitian navy also build in strength, becoming valuable to the war effort.
Battlefield
Much of the wars took place at sea, in the Caribbean and West Indies. America also supported independence movements in Spanish America in order to distract Spain from being influential in the conflict.
The Engagement
One notable engagement occurred between Crown Prince Louis Ferdinand and his Crowned Dragoons and Spanish and French forces based in the Louisiana Territory. During the engagement, the Prince was killed, causing America to once again declare war on France. This began America's involvement in the War of the Third Coalition against Napoleon Bonaparte.
The American Navy also won its first deep water battle against the French navy. Though greatly outnumbered, American engineering proved to be decisive. Commodore Stephen Decatur cut between the French fleet inbound to Haiti and outrunning the British Royal Navy. The battle became close, with the French's numerical advantage turning the tide. The engagement, however, stalled the French fleet enough for the Royal Navy to catch up. The British and American ships combined defeated the French fleet.
Outcome
America gained the territory of Louisiana by right of conquest. France agreed to pay reparations to the sum of $8 million to the United States. Haiti gained its independence under American protection.
At the defeat of the French fleet, the British returned to Europe and won another decisive victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, ending France's naval capabilities.
Aftermath
Following the Franco-American Wars, the colonies of Spanish America began to rise up in rebellion. They began after Napoleon placed his brother on the throne of Spain, and was aided by America. These interventions laid the groundwork for what would become the Continental Ordinance.
Historical Significance
Legacy
America once again joined the conflicts against Napoleon and fought in the Battle of Antwerp. This marked the last time America intervened in European conflicts.
Technological Advancement
American engineering proved to be superior in shipbuilding. Warships such as the USS Constitution and USS King Henry decisively outmatched their French and Spanish counterparts.
Included Conflicts
Conflict Type
War
Start Date
1798
Ending Date
1806
Conflict Result
American Victory
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