Final answer:
Thomas Jefferson ordered the U.S Navy to attack Tripoli due to the threat to American neutrality caused by the Napoleonic Wars, his political beliefs favoring France, and the outrage of the American people over British harassment of American ships and sailors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Jefferson ordered the U.S Navy to attack the North African state of Tripoli shortly after becoming president due to several reasons:
- The Napoleonic Wars between France and Britain threatened the neutrality of the United States. Both countries seized American merchant ships and sailors. Britain, in particular, used the excuse of searching for deserters from the Royal Navy, capturing both English and American sailors. Jefferson wanted to protect American ships and sailors from these actions.
- Jefferson's values and political beliefs favored France over Britain. With the two nations at war, there was a fear that the United States would be dragged into the conflict. To avoid warfare, Jefferson proposed economic measures, such as the Embargo Act of 1807, to put pressure on both countries and protect American shipping from harassment.
- The American people were increasingly outraged by stories of American ships being boarded and Americans being impressed into British service. Jefferson responded to their expectations by ordering the U.S Navy to attack Tripoli as a show of force to protect American interests.