Britain Declares War on France

May 18, 1803

The Peace of Amiens collapsed over Malta, Hanover, and mutual bad faith. Britain struck first, seizing French merchantmen before declarations had dried. Napoleon massed an invasion army at Boulogne and stared at the Channel. For twelve more years there would be no peace worth the name. The resumed war would become the most expensive conflict Britain had ever fought, swallowing a quarter of the national income.