There were two major mutinies by sailors of the Royal Navy in 1797. There was also discontent and minor incidents on ships in other locations in the same year. The mutinies were potentially dangerous for the United Kingdom because at the time the UK was at war with France. There were also concerns among some members of the British ruling class that the mutinies might be the trigger a wider uprising similar to the French Revolution.

Mutiny at Spithead 16 April to 15 May, 1797

Admiral Lord Howe negotiated an agreement that saw a Royal Pardon for all crews, together with a pay rise and better living conditions. Afterwards the mutiny was to become nicknamed "breeze at Spithead,".

Mutiny at the Nore 12 May to 13 June, 1797

Discontent among sailors at the Nore lead to a mutiny, with Richard Parker, a former officer, as their spokesman. The mutineers expanded their initial grievance about living conditions into the beginnings of a social revolution. The mutiny failed. Parker was hanged from the yardarm, and many others leading co-conspirators were punished

Other mutinies and discontent in 1797

Similar movements took place on the coast of Ireland and at the Cape of Good Hope. The spirit spread to the fleet under Admiral Jervis off the coast of Spain