Excerpt from a Broadside by President Thomas Jefferson, 1808
The Embargo, giving time to the belligerent powers to revise their unjust proceedings and to listen to the dictates of justice, of interest and reputation, which equally urge the correction of their wrongs, has availed our country of the only honorable expedient for avoiding war: and should a repeal of these Edicts supersede the cause for it, our commercial brethren will become sensible that it has consulted their interests, however against their own will. It will be unfortunate for their country if, in the mean time, these, their expressions of impatience, should have the effect of prolonging the very suffering which have produced them, by exciting a fallacious hope that we may, under any pressure, relinquish our equal right of navigating the ocean, go to such ports only as others may prescribe, and there pay the tributary exactions they may impose; an abandonment of national independence and of essential rights revolting to every manly sentiment: While these Edicts are in force, no American can ever consent to a return of peaceable intercourse with those who maintain them.
Use the excerpt to answer the question.
How does Jefferson’s statement BEST show that the United States and Britain were moving closer to conflict?
A.
Jefferson references suffering and unfortunate events that brought the two countries to this point.
B.
Jefferson suggests that Britain refuses to recognize the United States’ independence.
C.
Jefferson accuses Britain of violating the United States’ essential rights and hurting its interests.
D.
Jefferson defends his embargo against Britain as the only peaceful option left.
PLEASE, ALSO EXPLAIN WHY ITS THE CORRECT ANSWER, DO NOT GUESS, USE THE EXPERT.