Albert Shaw Lectures on Diplomatic History

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1915. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II Neutral Trade While the uncompromising attitude of Great Britain in her practice of impressment and the abuses of such practice gave the sentimental basis for the second war with England, that which brought the general support of the country to hostile measures was the British aggressions upon American trade. It mattered not whether the British acts were conceived with hostile intent toward the United States in order to thwart the growth of the commerce and naval power of that state, or whether they were merely retaliatory acts upon France, the effects were the same. The United.J States had from political considerations adopted a policy of neutrality as between the belligerent Powers. When Great Britain and France went to war with each other the commerce of the United States, which was becoming important and profitable, was seriously affected by the various measures of retaliation adopted by the two belligerent states. The first restrictive acts affecting American trade were those in connection with commerce carried on between the United States and the colonies of the belligerents. The colonial policy of all states in the 61 18th century was to utilize the colonies for the benefit of the parent state. Colonies were allowed to trade only with the mother-country and her possessions. Before the American Revolution there had grown up a large trade between the United States and the British West Indies. This trade consisted of lumber, live stock, and provisions from the American colonies, which were exchanged partly for molasses and rum, and partly for specie. This was a trade highly beneficial to both parties. When the treaty of peace recognized the independence of the United States, the right of trade with the West Indies no longer belonged to Amer...