The Royal Navy and the Defence of Newfoundland during the American Revolution

• Main Author: Janzen, Olaf U.
• Format: Book Part
• Language: unknown
• Published: Liverpool University Press 2013
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.5949/liverpool/9781927869024.003.0012

This chapter provides an analysis of the American attack on the Newfoundland fishery, undertaken in effort to position America as a threat to Britain despite the overwhelming British dominance of the Atlantic. By striking a core British asset in the Atlantic, America was demonstrating its political power and desire for independence. First, the value of fishery to Britain is explored, followed by the weaknesses of the station due to its size and small military presence, followed by the actions of officials and privateers alike during the attack. The defence of St John’s, the involvement of the French, and the impact on fishing merchants during the American Revolution also come under consideration. It concludes that in response to the vulnerability of British Newfoundland as proven by the American attack, British policy began to evolve the fishery into a full colony.