Week 7

The Embargo Act of 1807 was, simply put, a big mistake. As great as the United States is, this is a chance to recognize how stupid can be as well. After the Constitution was signed and the U.S. had some peace and quiet to move forward, France and Great Britain continued to fight each other. President Jefferson did not want to get involved in yet another war and he definitely did not want to take sides with either country. What made this so difficult was impressment. Mostly British, but some French ships as well, were taking American ships hostage on the ocean, taking their goods on board and even forcing those men aboard to join their side. It was difficult for the U.S. to ignore this and not get involved. Jefferson eventually passed an embargo in 1807. All U.S. ports were closed to export shipping in either U.S. or foreign vessels, and restrictions were placed on imports from Great Britain. This was a big mistake that did nothing but simply hurt Americans. We as a country did not have all of the resources necessary to sustain ourselves without outside trade. Therefore this embargo simply made the U.S. lose money and caused some merchants out of their jobs. Our economy plummeted. In the meantime the embargo did not work against G.B. and France like Jefferson had hoped. They were able to maintain trade with other countries and could sustain themselves for the time being.

Two years later Jefferson would pass the Non-intercourse Act, allowing trade with other countries except G.B. and France. This would help us some but it was inevitable that we could not continue without trade with these countries. It was necessary for our economy. Eventually, three years later, under President Madison, the United States would enter yet another war known as the War of 1812.