Chesapeake Affair

Definition

A naval engagement that occurred off the coast of Virginia in 1807 between a British warship, HMS Leopard, and the American frigate USS Chesapeake. The British demanded to board the American ship to search for deserters from their navy, which led to conflict.

Analogy

Think of the Chesapeake Affair as a schoolyard bully (Britain) trying to take another kid's (America's) lunchbox because he believes his own sandwich is inside. This leads to a fight and tension among all students (international relations).

Related terms

Impressment: The act of forcing people into military service; it was one of the key issues leading up to the War of 1812 following incidents like the Chesapeake Affair.

Embargo Act of 1807: An American law that prohibited American ships from trading with foreign ports as a response to British and French mistreatment, but ended up hurting America's economy more than theirs.

War Hawks: Members of Congress who put pressure on President James Madison leading up to War of 1812 due largely in part because they were outraged by incidents like the Chesapeake Affair.