This print depicts the British frigate 'Java', on the right, entirely dismasted after an intense engagement with USS Constitution, which vastly out-matched her both in terms of the experience of her crew and the weight of her broadside. The three-hour action took place on 29 December, 1812, and was part of the War of 1812 between the United States and the UK, which arose as a result of the Napoleonic Wars. The US declared war the UK on 18 June, 1812, for several reasons, including trade restrictions brought about by the British war with France, and the impressment of as many as 10,000 American merchant sailors into the Royal Navy.