[2] During the Seven Years' War, France and Britain initially fought over disputed North American colonies.
France was not able to supply its West Indies colonies due to Britain's naval superiority and lock on trade routes.
French goods would be able to reach their intended destinations and the neutral nation would benefit from participating in the exclusive market.
American ports were used as a stopping point while shipping goods to French and Spanish islands in the West Indies.
[7] This heightened seizure put a real strain on Anglo-American relations and was a significant factor contributing to the War of 1812.
France countered the Essex Case by creating its own version of the law, called the Berlin Decree.