Thomas Jefferson's Foreign Policy

• Caught between British and French conflict

• British impressment of sailors

Conflict Between Britain and France

• After Napoleon gives up on North America, he turns to European expansion

• U.S. benefits at first by selling goods/weapons to both countries

• France and Britain begin blocking trade with the "enemy"

British Impressment

• Britain needs soldiers for war with Napoleon.

• Britain authorized its navy to take American ships and force the sailors to serve the British Navy

U.S. Government Response

• Banned trade with Britain and closed waters/ports to them

• Pass embargo - stop all foreign trade

Effects of U.S. Embargo

• Wrecked U.S economy

• Cut Treasury Department's biggest income - customs (tax on imports/exports)

• Hurt northern farmers & merchants - couldn't ship goods