Q&A · 3:55:07-3:56:20

Royal Navy and US Navy cooperation before the world wars

The two navies worked together during the Boxer Rebellion and cooperated informally during the Agadir Crisis, when British mediation helped prevent friction between American and French ships.

Question

Did the Royal Navy and US Navy work together before the world wars?

Short answer

Yes; they cooperated in the Boxer Rebellion and worked closely during the Agadir Crisis, with Britain helping manage tension between American and French forces.

Notes

Royal Navy-US Navy cooperation predates their alliance in the world wars. Their forces operated together during the Boxer Rebellion and other Far Eastern crises. During the Agadir Crisis, American ships arrived to protect a citizen while French officers reacted antagonistically to their presence. British ships positioned themselves between the two sides and asked the Americans to hold back, a request the US Navy followed while the Royal Navy discouraged further French provocations.