How many ships did the American Navy have when entering the War of 1812?

The American Navy had a total of 16 ships when entering the War of 1812. This relatively small fleet was a reflection of the young nation's military capabilities at the time. The U.S. Navy had been established only a few years earlier, in 1794, and during this period, it focused primarily on defending commerce and coastal waters rather than establishing a large naval force. Despite the limited number of ships, the U.S. Navy was able to achieve significant victories in key battles during the war, emphasizing the quality and skill of its sailors and ships over sheer numbers. This proved crucial in the context of the conflict with the Royal Navy, which was the most powerful navy globally.