Journey Through Time 33. Prince Albert’s Dying Wish: Stopping An American-British War (Ep 2)
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Sep 28, 2025 Tensions between Britain and America nearly led to war over the capture of Confederate officers in 1861. The hosts delve into the Trent Affair, discussing Captain Wilkes's controversial actions and the fierce British public outrage. They reveal how Prince Albert's final letter softened Britain’s ultimatum, providing a diplomatic off-ramp. The aftermath saw both nations relieved, yet lingering tensions remained. The conversation hints at whether the Confederacy's cotton diplomacy could still sway Britain into the conflict.
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Daring Seizure On A Neutral Ship
- Two Confederate diplomats boarded the British mail ship RMS Trent in Havana to travel to Europe seeking recognition.
- Captain Charles Wilkes of the USS San Jacinto intercepted the Trent in international waters and seized Mason and Slidell without orders.
Delay Turned Incident Into Outrage
- News of the seizure reached Britain weeks later and provoked intense public outrage across the press.
- British newspapers framed the episode as the 'Trent Outrage', making war between Britain and the US politically combustible.
Honor And Ship Sovereignty Drove Escalation
- Nineteenth-century ideas of national honour and ship sovereignty made the seizure seem like a grave affront.
- Boarding a British ship equated to violating British territory, raising calls for retaliation despite practical costs.