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ryann ryann
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Posts: 261
5 years ago
Why did Congress pass Macon's Bill No. 2 and why did it ultimately fail?
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Valued Member
5 years ago

Congress dismantled embargo with bargaining measure known as Macon's bill no 2. Reopening American trade with all the world, Macon's bill dangled, what congress hoped, attractive lure. If Britain or France repealed commercial restrictions, America would restore embargo against non-repealing nation. To Madison, bill shameful capitulation. Practically admitted U.S. couldn't survive w/o one of belligerents as commercial ally, left determination to potentates of London and Paris.
Napoleon saw his chance. Since 1806, British justified orders in council as retaliation for Napoleon's actions- implying, w/o promising outright, trade restrictions lifted if French decrees disappeared. August 1810 word came from Napoleon's foreign minister that French decrees might be repealed if Britain lifted Orders in Council. Minister's message ambiguous. No intention of permitting unrestricted trade between America and Britain, wanted U.S. to resume embargo against Britain.
Madison gambled that threat of seeing U.S. trade exclusively with France lead British to repeal restrictions- vice versa. Accepted French offer as evidence of repeal. Terms of Macon's bill gave British 3 months to live up to implied promise by revoking Orders in council and reopening Atlantic to neutral trade. Did not. London saw little need to bargain. As long as war with Napoleon went on, America could trade exclusively with British Empire- or with nobody. Gamble failed. President saw no choice but to reestablish embargo against Britain only- knew meant end of neutrality and feared final step toward war.
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