AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: The Embargo Act of 1807 (Day 81/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of the Embargo Act of 1807 in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

In this 1809 cartoon, Great Britain and France fleece President Thomas Jefferson, National Park Service

During the Napoleonic Wars, Jefferson attempted to maintain U.S. neutrality. However, after years of impressments by France and Britain, trade disruptions had increased tensions.

Chesapeake-Leopard Affair, Wikimedia Commons

In 1807, the British warship HMS Leopard attacked and boarded the American frigate USS Chesapeake just off the coast of Virginia. The resulting casualties and bold attack led to calls for war against Britain.

An 1807 political cartoon showing merchants caught by a snapping turtle named "Ograbme" ("Embargo" spelled backwards), Wikimedia Commons

However, Jefferson called for a different approach by advocating for the enactment of the Embargo Act. This law prevented American vessels from sailing to any foreign ports. He hoped it would protect American merchant ships and convince Europeans to respect American neutrality.

Foreign Trade, 1805-1817, U.S. Bureau of the Census

Unfortunately, it brought significant economic hardship to the U.S. Shipping related industries were devastated, unemployment increased, and overall trade decreased. It was deeply unpopular due to its negative economic impact.

The Embargo Act of 1807 was intended to protect American ships and increase respect for the U.S. However, it had an extremely negative impact on the economy as it prohibited American ships from transporting goods.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Election of 1808 in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!