Hostile stories about Rosas circulate in France and Britain, while he seeks diplomatic support against the blockade. A petition signed by 15,000 British and French residents of Buenos Aires and a declaration by foreign diplomats support his case. In this account, the United States sympathizes with his position but declines to confront the British and French fleets. The example separates favorable opinion from a willingness to risk a naval war. Rumor and attacks on an opponent's reputation are treated as familiar features of international conflict in this period.
Notable Point · 6:19:16-6:21:12
Why public support could not break the blockade against Rosas
Rosas answers hostile publicity with a petition and diplomatic support, but the account emphasizes the limits of sympathy when challenging two large navies.