Quasi-War

In 1793, Congress suspended repayment of loans made by France during the American Revolutionary War. This was followed in 1794 by the Jay Treaty with Great Britain, then engaged in the War of the First Coalition with France. The French government responded by permitting privateer attacks on American ships trading with Britain, which in October 1796 was expanded to cover all ships operating in American waters, regardless of nationality. The United States was initially unable to mount an effective response, with over 316 American ships captured in the first year. Congress reconstituted the United States Navy, and in July 1798 approved the use of force against France. By 1799, losses had been significantly reduced through informal cooperation with the Royal Navy, whereby merchant ships from both nations were allowed to join each other's convoys. The replacement of the First Republic by the Consulate in November 1799 led to the Convention of 1800, which ended the war. The right of Congress to authorize military action without a formal declaration of war was later confirmed by the Supreme Court.