Why did Thomas Jefferson order the embargo against Great Britain in 1807?
Thomas Jefferson ordered the embargo against Great Britain in 1807 primarily as a response to British violations of American neutrality during the Napoleonic Wars. Several factors influenced Jefferson's decision:
1. Impressment: The British navy had been impressing American sailors, forcibly recruiting them into service under the British flag. This violated American sovereignty and was seen as an affront to American independence.
2. Trade restrictions: Britain imposed trade restrictions on the United States, particularly through its Orders in Council, which prohibited American ships from trading with any European nations under French control. This significantly impacted American merchants and the economy, leading to economic hardship.
3. Violations of neutral rights: British ships also routinely seized American ships, confiscated goods, and blockaded French ports, often without legal justification. These actions violated American neutral rights and hindered American commerce.
4. National honor and sovereignty: Jefferson, an ardent advocate of American independence and sovereignty, saw the embargo as a means to assert American self-sufficiency and protect national honor. He believed that it would force Britain to respect American neutrality.
By ordering the embargo, Jefferson aimed to pressure Britain economically, hoping that the disruption of trade would compel them to change their policies. However, the embargo ended up hurting the American economy more than it affected Britain, and it was repealed shortly before Jefferson left office in 1809.