Question

What was the result of Jefferson's embargo?

a. The British stopped the practice of taking American sailors.
b. American merchants were bankrupted, sailors were put out of work, and farmers were unable to sell their crops.
c. American traders increased trade with Spain, leading to an economic boom.
d. The French joined the Americans in a war against Britain.

Answer 1

The correct answer is letter b. American merchants were bankrupted, sailors were put out of work, and farmers were unable to sell their crops. The goal of the Embargo Act was to force Britain and France to respect American rights during the Napoleonic Wars. It was also an attempt by Jefferson to stop British and French attacks on US shipping by preventing US merchant ships from trading with either and by closing all US ports to foreign trade.