Jefferson urged the passage of the Embargo Act in order to protect American interests and assert the country's neutrality amidst conflicts between Britain and France. He believed that American ships were being seized by both nations, and that the act would serve as a peaceful, economic retaliation against the offenses. Jefferson argued that the Embargo Act would also encourage domestic manufacturing and decrease dependence on foreign goods. Additionally, he hoped that the act would force Britain and France to respect American neutrality and cease their aggressive actions towards American ships.
