美国学生历史 第108期:1812年战争的原因(8)

 　　259. Madison's Reasons for War, 1812. 259．麦迪逊的战争理由（1812年）

　　In his message Madison stated the grounds for complaint against the British as follows: (1) they impressed American seamen¹; 麦迪逊在演讲中给出如下与英国人结怨的几个理由：麦迪逊在演讲中给出如下与英国人结怨的几个理由：

　　(2) they disturbed American commerce by stationing warships² off the principal ports; （2）在主要港口附近安置军舰干扰美国的贸易活动；

　　（3）they refused to permit trade between America and Europe; （3）他们拒绝接受美洲与欧洲之间的贸易；

　　(4) they stirred up the western Indians to attack the settlers; （4）他们鼓动西部的印第安人攻击殖民者；

　　(5) they were really making war on the United States while the United States was at peace with them. （5）在美国与英国人和平相处时，他们实际上已经对美国发动了战争。

　　For these reasons Madison advised a declaration of war against Great Britain, and war was declared. 因为这几个方面，麦迪逊建议向大不列颠宣战，国会通过了他的建议。

1 seamen   

n.海员

参考例句：

• Experienced seamen will advise you about sailing in this weather. 有经验的海员会告诉你在这种天气下的航行情况。
• In the storm, many seamen wished they were on shore. 在暴风雨中，许多海员想，要是他们在陆地上就好了。

2 warships   

军舰，战舰( warship的名词复数 )； 舰只

参考例句：

• The enemy warships were disengaged from the battle after suffering heavy casualties. 在遭受惨重伤亡后，敌舰退出了海战。
• The government fitted out warships and sailors for them. 政府给他们配备了战舰和水手。