This 19th-century engraving shows a U.S. sailor being seized while those who might try to assist him are elbowed aside. The impressment of sailors into the British navy from U.S. ships was one of the most prominent causes of the War of 1812. (Library of Congress)

Thought Questions

1. Why were the British impressing U.S. sailors on the high seas?
2. How did Thomas Jefferson respond to the British impressment policies?
3. Was this issue ever resolved, even after the war?

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