The question concerns the diplomatic and economic conflicts between the early 19th-century United States and both Britain and France. The Embargo Act of 1807 aimed to halt trade to pressure these nations to respect American neutrality, but it mainly harmed the American economy.
American Shipping and the Conflicts with Britain and France
During the early 19th century, Britain and France were engaged in conflict, resulting in both nations attempting to disrupt international trade by targeting neutral ships. Britain was particularly aggressive through impressment, where they forced American sailors into service for the Royal Navy. This practice, and the incident involving the HMS Leopard and the US naval ship Chesapeake, led to the implementation of the Embargo Act of 1807 by President Jefferson. The purpose of the act was to exert economic pressure on Britain and France by halting all American overseas trade, with the expectation it would force them to respect American neutrality. However, this move had detrimental effects, significantly hurting the American economy and resulting in widespread financial hardship rather than influencing British or French policies.
The Quasi-War with France also saw American ships being seized; a conflict that arose when France began targeting American ships trading with the British during the French Directory period. The neutrality and trade issues continued to be a central theme of American foreign policy, eventually prompting John Jay to negotiate terms in the Jay Treaty with Britain to protect American interests. Despite these diplomatic efforts, Britain continued to interfere with American trade, contributing to economic challenges in the post-Revolution era, where American industries faced stiff competition from British goods. Over time, protective tariffs and other measures began to evolve, shaping the early economic policy of the United States.