− | The Embargo Act was an effort by President Thomas Jefferson to keep the United States out of European wars. In Europe, Napoleon sweeping across the continent, and almost every European power was aligned against France. Initially, the United States sought to continue trade with Europe, but the European states refused to Acknowledge the United States' neutrality.
| + | #REDIRECT [[Why was the Embargo Act of 1807 a failure for President Thomas Jefferson]] |
− | Soon, European powers began attacking US merchant ships and impressing United States merchant sailors into foreign navies. In an effort to limit United States involvement in the European conflicts, Jefferson decided to close United States ports to all foreign trade. Instead of engaging with Europe, Jefferson essentially withdrew.
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