The ''Quasi'' War

By Crusader1307

The ''undeclared'' Conflict between The United States and France began in 1798 and lasted until 1800. The ''War'' was fought mostly on The Seas. - with a ''Young'' American Navy (augmented by Privateers) and The French Navy. The French were severely undermanned at Sea, committing most of it's Ships-of-The Line and 2nd Rate Warships to their continuing War with England (2nd Coalition War).

The cause of the Conflict was related to The American Revolution (1775-1783), of which France was one of the few European Countries to recognize The Colonies as an independent Nation. Conversely, France supplies the materials of War, Troops (limited) and of course, it's Naval resources (as Great Britain was their Enemy). This aid was not free, and Treaties specified such between the young America and France. After John Adams became President of The United States, He decided to end payments to France (which He and an Anti-French American Government agreed). Secondly, with the establishment of The Jay Treaty with England, normalized trade relations were established. This was looked upon as a betrayal by France.

The Conflict pitted a very small and undermanned American Navy against a mighty European Naval Force. Fortunately for The US, France and England were at grips with each other with their own War (The War of The 2nd Coalition). France could not spare many Warships to interdict American Shipping or blockade Ports. To further aid America, a large contingent of American Privateers (moderately armed), served as a bolster for The US Navy (for profit, of course).

The ''War'' saw somewhat light casualties. For America, roughly 100 Sailors and related Servicemen perished as a result of direct combat action (out of close to 8,000 engaged). Only (1) US Warship was captured by The French (but this Ship was retaken). The exact number of French Naval Personnel engaged are unknown (as The Quasi War is looked upon as part of their Coalition War). US Record list close to 600 Sailors and Marines killed or captured, with 130 Vessels of various Classes sunk or captured.

The ''War'' ended as a result of political intrigue within The American Government. Fearing a coup by Anti-French Senators, wishing to more fully commit to a War, US President Adams entered into a series of diplomatic meetings with The French, settling their past War accounts. This established peace with France and gave no further ''fuel'' to Adams ''War Hawk'' Congress.