What does "impressment" refer to in the context of U.S. history?

Impressment refers specifically to the practice of forcibly enlisting American sailors into the British navy, which was a significant source of tension between the United States and Great Britain in the early 19th century. This practice was particularly prevalent during the period leading up to the War of 1812, when British naval forces would stop American ships and compel sailors, regardless of their nationality, to serve on British vessels. This violation of American sovereignty and rights was one of the key grievances that fueled American discontent and ultimately contributed to the outbreak of war.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of impressment. A military draft during the War of 1812 refers to conscription within the U.S. itself, whereas impressment specifically involves coerced service in a foreign navy. The seizure of American ships by the French pertains to a different set of diplomatic conflicts and does not relate to the concept of impressment. Lastly, colonial taxes imposed by British authorities, although significant in the lead-up to the American Revolution, are not connected to the practice of impressment, which emerged in a different historical context.