The Lobster War

If you're going to start a war over food, you might as well make it more upscale. Take for instance the example of The Lobster War. Here In 1961, France and Brazil clashed over shellfish. French fishermen were catching lobster 100 miles off the coast of Brazil. Brazil said that was still on their continental shelf and therefore they were their lobsters. Both sides took the issue to their respective governments. Brazil dispatched six patrol boats to support the fishermen, which infuriated French President Charles de Gaulle, who dispatched a French destroyer to aid his own countrymen.

Because the Brazilians outnumbered the French, the French were forced to withdraw. Brazil told them they had 48 hours to leave. Since they refused, one French ship was taken as hostage.

Although no guns were fired, the dispute lasted three years. Diplomacy prevailed, and the countries proceeded to an international court. Brazil's government extended their waters to 200 miles, so there would be no further problems.

• Date: 1961–1963
• Location: Waters of Pernambuco, Brazil