Charles Francis Adams, U.S. minister to Great Britain, threatens war unless the British honor their neutrality and stop construction on a warship allegedly being built for the Confederacy.
Tag: Lord Palmerston
Continuing as Mere Lookers-On
The leaders of Great Britain express new reluctance to recognize Confederate independence, and Emperor Napoleon III of France proposes foreign mediation between the two warring factions.
Foreign Powers Consider Mediation
As news of the Federal setbacks travels overseas, the European powers begin to seriously consider mediating an end to the war and recognizing Confederate independence.
Outrage on the British Flag
News of the U.S. seizure of Confederate envoys James Mason and John Slidell aboard the British steamer Trent officially reaches Great Britain, where it is met with immediate outrage.
The Trent Affair
Captain Charles Wilkes of the U.S.S. San Jacinto halts the neutral British steamship R.M.S. Trent on the open sea and seizes two Confederate envoys under dubious circumstances.
Keeping Quite Clear of the Conflict
The European powers entertain the possibility of recognizing Confederate independence, while France capitalizes on the war by invading Mexico.