Okay, so I don't really get that last part with them voting for another bill. I roughly understood that it was anti-French while at the same time being anti-slave, but I couldn't really wrap my head around it. Can some please explain the details of the bill, and how the plan worked out?? Thanks in advance!!
"That was a dinosaur??!!" - Kevin Walker
French ships were flying the American flag which meant that neither the British navy or Privateers were able to stop and search them. The proposed bill changed it so they were subject to search and sezure by Privateers, thus closing a loophole that French ships were using. This was proposed as beneficial to the war. It also meant that slave ships, which also flew the American flag were subject to search and seizure of the cargo by Privateers, most of whom were no better than pirates. The plan was to drive them to bankruptcy.
shareOh, okay. I think I roughly got it. Thank you!!
"That was a dinosaur??!!" - Kevin Walker
This meant that privateers could seize the slaves that the French ships had collected since they were, in essence, cargo. Since the British were doing the same thing (using the American flag as a neutral cover), the privateers were allowed to seize their cargo too. Though not mentioned in the film, I have a feeling that there had to be repercussions with the Americans, who had merchant vessels going to both countries at that time. My history is a little rusty right now but I think this was one issue that led to the War of 1812.
shareWasn't that war in France?
I'm anespeptic, frasmotic, even compunctuous to have caused you such pericumbobulations...
Don't forget the passing out of free passes to the races at Epsom. That got them out of the chamber for the day, so they couldn't vote on the legislation.
The idea was nicked from a previous situation where something similar had happened...
:)
Brilliant, inspired plan.
I still don't understand how this bill passed.
It's essentially a blanket law that allows stealing of cargo from a neutral country's ships (United States). Britain and US had a peace agreement at that time, wouldn't this law blatantly violate that?
Why on earth would British parliament pass, unless they wanted war with US? A "brilliant" plan no doubt for the abolitionists, but pretty dumb in terms of international relations.