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Simple English definitions for legal terms
public blockade
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A quick definition of public blockade:
A public blockade is when a country stops ships from going in or out of an enemy's ports by stationing their own ships to intercept them. This is only legal if the blockade is effective, meaning it actually stops ships from entering or leaving. If a country declares a blockade but doesn't have enough ships to enforce it, it's not legal. A pacific blockade is when a blockade is established without a declaration of war, and a public blockade is when the blockading country tells neutral nations about the blockade.
A more thorough explanation:
A public blockade is a term used in international law to describe a situation where a belligerent nation prevents access to or egress from an enemy's ports by stationing ships to intercept vessels trying to enter or leave those ports. In order for a blockade to be binding, it must be effective, meaning that it must be maintained by a force sufficient to prevent access to ports. This type of blockade is also known as a simple blockade or de facto blockade.
- During World War II, the Allied powers established a public blockade of Germany's ports in an effort to cut off their supply lines and weaken their military efforts.
- In 1962, the United States established a public blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis in order to prevent Soviet ships from delivering missiles to the island.
These examples illustrate how a public blockade can be used as a military strategy to limit an enemy's resources and capabilities. By preventing access to ports, a belligerent nation can weaken their opponent's ability to wage war and gain an advantage in the conflict.