Answer:
The British and French targeted and attacked US merchant ships for several reasons. One reason was that the US was trading with their enemy, which was seen as a threat to their own interests. The US was neutral in the Napoleonic Wars between Britain and France, and both countries sought to prevent the US from trading with the other side.
Another reason was the XYZ Affair, which was a diplomatic incident in which the US was humiliated by the French. This incident led to tensions between the US and France, and the US began to trade more with Britain, which further annoyed the French.
It's important to note that the US did not attack British or French ships first. In fact, the US was neutral in the Napoleonic Wars and sought to avoid being drawn into the conflict. However, the US did engage in a series of naval battles with both countries, known as the Quasi-War with France and the War of 1812 with Britain, which were in part a result of the targeting of US merchant ships.
Step-by-step explanation: