Français  Contact Us  Help  Search  Canada Site Volume 1 (1000–1754) Volume 2 (1755-1871) Volume 3 (1872–2000) CHAPTER 1 The Conquest CHAPTER 2 The Revolt of Pontiac and the American Invasion CHAPTER 3 The Coveted Pacific Coast A New Stage for European Struggles Early Explorations of the Northwest Coast The Vikings of the North Pacific New Spanish Explorations Enter Cook and the British Spanish Reaction Russian, British and Spanish Plans The Nootka Incident The Nootka Crisis Garrison Life at Nootka Vancouver and Bodega Y Quadra The Evacuation of Nootka From Sea to Sea CHAPTER 4 The Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812 CHAPTER 5 Demobilization CHAPTER 6 The Royal Navy, Ruler of the Seas CHAPTER 7 A Decade of Turbulence APPENDIX A The British Armed Forces APPENDIX B Daily Life of Soldiers and Officers APPENDIX C Uniforms and Arms APPENDIX D Reference      CHAPTER 3 The Coveted Pacific Coast           The Nootka Crisis ( 3 pages )           1 2 3      A Diplomatic Storm                No one in America had anticipated the diplomatic storm that would blow into the courts of Europe because of the seizure of the British vessels.  As soon as rumours of the operation reached England, public opinion was shocked by the event, which had flouted the principle of freedom of the seas.  The British were outraged: the British flag and the honour of the country had been sullied by the Spanish military.  In April 1790 the arrival of John Meares, one of James Colnett's associates, confirmed the rumours and fanned the flames of anti-Spanish sentiment.  In May the issue was debated in the House of Commons.  The Admiralty cancelled the expedition that was to leave for the northwest coast of North America and ordered the Royal Navy to prepare for hostilities.           1 2 3   Last Updated: 2004-06-20 Important Notices