dec 22, 1807 - Embargo Act

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At the beginning of the 19th century, President Thomas Jefferson tried to maintain the neutrality of the United States in the Napoleonic wars: he refused to choose between Great Britain and France. The president also tried to keep the sea lanes open in the face of attacks by privateers and pirates, which led him to strengthen the navy.

Faced with British attacks on American ships, Jefferson passed the Embargo Act on 22 December 1807 : no foreign ship could enter or leave American ports. This measure had an unexpected consequence: the beginnings of the industrialisation of the United States. Indeed, since trade with Europe was broken off, it was necessary to produce what the country needed locally. Thus, factories and plantations multiplied. New provisions specifying this law were then passed.

However, the Embargo Act was criticised because it was in contradiction with individual rights and affected the activity of merchants on the Atlantic coast. It provoked demonstrations in the cities.

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