The American Dimension

The Continental System's impact extended beyond Europe to affect American commerce and politics. The competing British and French restrictions on neutral trade created impossible situations for American merchants, who faced seizure of their vessels regardless of their compliance with either system. The resulting tensions contributed to the War of 1812 between Britain and the United States.

American merchants developed elaborate strategies for navigating the conflicting regulations. Vessels carried multiple sets of papers to satisfy whichever authorities they encountered, while American ports became centers for transhipment of goods that officially violated both systems. The profits from this dangerous trade were enormous, but so were the risks of confiscation and imprisonment.

The Continental System's American dimension revealed its global implications. A system designed to affect European trade necessarily involved colonial possessions and neutral powers worldwide. The interdependence of international commerce made isolated economic warfare impossible, as restrictions in one region created opportunities and problems in others.