Q&A · 2:04:17-2:05:37

If the American-French Quasi-War became a declared war

A declared American-French war would likely bring the United States into the Second Coalition alongside Britain and France's other enemies.

Question

What if the American-French Quasi-War of 1798-1800 escalated into a declared war?

Short answer

The United States would probably join Britain and the Second Coalition against France and Spain.

Notes

A declared war in 1798 would likely pull the United States toward Britain and the Second Coalition rather than leave the naval conflict semi-official. That alignment would add American maritime power to a coalition already including the Holy Roman Empire, Russia, the Ottoman Empire, Naples, Portugal, and Sardinia against France and Spain.