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ryann ryann
wrote...
Posts: 261
5 years ago
Why did Jefferson push Congress to pass the Embargo of 1807 and with what consequences to Americans?
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Valued Member
5 years ago
National honor no permit slavish submission to British and French, but war contrary to settled policy of new republic. Also futile- small army and weak navy. Warring nations in Europe heavily depended upon U.S. for raw materials and foodstuffs. So, Jefferson reasoned that if American cut off exports, the offending powers would be forced to bow and agree to respect its rights.
Congress passed Embargo Act in 1807- rigorous law that forbade export of all goods from U.S., whether in American or foreign ships. Embodied Jefferson's idea of "peaceful coercion". If it worked, vindicate rights of neutral nations and point to new way of conducting foreign affairs. If failed, Jefferson feared Republic would perish, subjugated to European powers or sucked into war.
American economy staggered under effect of embargo before Britain or France began to bend. Forests of dead masts filled New England harbors- docks that once rumbled were deserted (except for illegal trade) - soup kitchens cared for unemployed. New England commerce hurt (originally trying to protect). Farmers of South and West suffered too- alarmed by mounting piles of unexportable cotton, grain, and tobacco. Jefferson seemed to be waging war on citizens.
Enormous illicit trade mushroomed in 1808- especially along Canadian border- bands of armed Americans on loaded rafts overpowered federal agents. Jefferson induced Congress to pass iron-toothed enforcing legislation. So inquisitorial and tyrannical as to cause some Americans to think more kindly of George III.
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