Project: The Trent Affair

Using the library and other sources, research the circumstances behind the Trent Affair. Then, write a 500-word report on your findings.

The Trent Affair was a diplomatic crisis that took place in 1861 that lasted only 2 months, between the United States and Great Britain, during the American Civil War (1861-1865). The USS San Jacinto captain ordered the arrest of two Confederate envoys sailing to Europe on board a British mail ship, called the Trent. Great Britain was neutral and hadn't taken a side on the Civil War, so they considered this event a violation of international law.

Charles Wilkes was the USS San Jacinto captain who arrested James Manson and John Slidell, the two Confederate diplomatics envoys that sailed to europe to find support to their cause. After their arrest, Great Britain began preparing for war against the U. S, banning exports of war materials and sending troops to Canada. France also announced would back Britain in the conflict. Great Britain requested the envoys release and a formal apologie from the U. S. goverment.

The President Abraham Lincoln and his administration, seeing the inminent war added to the one already held, decided to put an end to the Trent Affair and disavowed Captain Wilkes' actions and announced the envoys release. This way a conflict with Great Britain was avoided.