Thomas Jefferson faced the challenge of foreign relations with France and Britain during his presidency. He sought to maintain neutrality between the two countries, while also attempting to protect American interests. To do this, he negotiated the Louisiana Purchase from France, which doubled the size of the United States, and he also negotiated the Embargo Act of 1807, which prohibited American ships from trading with foreign countries. He also worked to strengthen diplomatic relations with other countries, such as Spain and the Barbary States.
