dec 22, 1807 - Embargo Act of 1807

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The Embargo Act was passed as a solution to war through the persuasion of Jefferson. Since the U.S. was Britain’s largest trading partner, American merchant ships were forbidden from traveling to any foreign ports by the act. Britain and France had been at war since 1803 and Americans had tried to stay neutral, but it wasn’t effective. France passed a law that stopped trade between neutral parties including the U.S. and Britain. By explaining to Britain and France their reliance on American goods, the Embargo Act of 1807 would help the country convince them to value American neutrality and avoid impressing American seamen. Jefferson anticipated that instead of losing U.S. trade, the British would end the infringement of neutral nations' rights. The embargo did not go as expected, however, and gave the States, rather than Britain, even increased financial hardship. The hardship especially affected shipbuilders and the merchant marine located in New England. The act was repealed in 1809 during the last days of Jefferson’s presidency which allowed U.S. ships to trade legally with all nations other than France and Britain.

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