What reason did Jefferson give for urging passage of the Embargo Act?

(1 point)
Responses

to protect American traders
to protect American traders

to avoid war over seized ships
to avoid war over seized ships

to increase the power of the Republican Party
to increase the power of the Republican Party

to decrease the power and influence of New England merchants

to decrease the power and influence of New England merchants

Jefferson gave the reason to decrease the power and influence of New England merchants.

The reason Thomas Jefferson gave for urging the passage of the Embargo Act was to decrease the power and influence of New England merchants. To find this answer, one can consult primary sources such as speeches, writings, or official documents by Thomas Jefferson during that time. It is also important to consider the historical context of the Embargo Act, which was passed in 1807 as a response to the ongoing conflict between Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars.