Great Frigate victories meet the Royal Navy blockade

The heavier American frigates had decisive advantages over ordinary British frigates and earned important early victories. That freedom narrowed sharply once British ships of the line arrived in strength and could dominate the approaches to major ports. The blockade did not need to seal every mile of coastline because Maine fell under British control and substantial parts of the American population opposed the war. British crews could even buy fresh provisions from communities near the ports they were supposedly blockading. This strategic constraint, rather than the outcome of isolated duels, forced Americans to recognize that frigates alone were insufficient.