What practice involved the British taking American sailors from their ships to serve in the British Navy?

The practice of taking American sailors from their ships to serve in the British Navy is known as impressment. During the early 19th century, particularly leading up to the War of 1812, the British Royal Navy faced a shortage of sailors. To address this issue, they forcibly recruited men, including American citizens, into their naval service, often under the pretext that they were British deserters. This practice caused significant resentment among Americans and contributed to the growing tensions between the United States and Great Britain, ultimately playing a role in the U.S. decision to go to war in 1812. The other options do not pertain to this specific act: ransom involves demanding payment for someone's release, privateering refers to private ships authorized to attack enemy vessels during wartime, and blockade involves preventing goods or ships from entering or leaving ports.