Sint Eustatius now assumes increased importance, because a British blockade makes it difficult to transport supplies directly across the Atlantic Ocean to United States ports.

The Dutch-controlled island in the West Indies is an entrepôt that operates as a major trading center despite its relatively small size.

During the American War of Independence Sint Eustatius becomes a crucial source of supplies, and its harbor is filled with American trading ships.

Its merchant networks—Dutch, but also British via Saint Kitts and especially Bermuda and also Jewish, many of whom are St. Eustatius residents—are key to the military supplies and goods being shipped to the revolutionary forces.

United States-European communications are directed through Sint Eustatius.