Several countries pursued neutrality during the Napoleonic Wars, including the United States, Denmark-Norway, Sweden, and the Ottoman Empire. Here's an overview of neutrality during this period:
1. Motives for Neutrality:
- Preserving National Interests: Neutral countries sought to protect their own political and economic interests, such as trade and commerce, without getting entangled in the war's conflicts.
- Avoiding Conflict Costs: Neutrality allowed countries to avoid the financial, military, and human costs associated with participating in the war.
2. Challenges to Neutrality:
- Pressure from Belligerents: Both France and Britain often pressured neutral countries to join their side, leading to tense diplomatic situations.
- Economic Disruptions: The warring parties could resort to economic measures like blockades and embargoes, which impacted neutral trade.
- Violations of Neutrality: Some countries struggled to maintain strict neutrality, leading to occasional clashes and incidents with the belligerent powers.
3. American Neutrality:
- Washington's Farewell Address: President George Washington's farewell address in 1796 emphasized the importance of neutrality and avoiding permanent alliances with foreign powers.
- Proclamation of Neutrality: President Thomas Jefferson issued the Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793, declaring the United States' intention to remain neutral in the war between France and Britain.
- Challenges: The United States later faced significant challenges to its neutrality, as both France and Britain violated American shipping rights, leading to frictions and even naval clashes.
4. Scandinavian Neutrality:
- Denmark-Norway and Sweden: These countries adopted a policy of armed neutrality, aiming to protect their trade interests and deter belligerent interference.
- Armed Convoys: They formed an alliance and escorted merchant ships with naval forces to resist British attempts at inspecting or seizing vessels.
- Treaty of Tilsit: In 1807, Denmark-Norway was compelled to join Napoleon's Continental System against Britain, while Sweden remained cautiously neutral.
5. Ottoman Neutrality:
- Ottoman-Russian Relations: The Ottoman Empire aimed to maintain neutrality between France and Britain while managing complex relations with Russia, which was also at odds with France and allied with Britain.
- Attempts at Mediation: The Ottomans made diplomatic efforts to mediate peace between the warring parties but were ultimately unsuccessful.
Overall, neutrality during the Napoleonic Wars was a delicate balance for non-belligerent countries, as they sought to preserve their interests while navigating the evolving geopolitical landscape and pressures from the major powers involved in the conflict.