Final answer:
The Embargo Act of 1807 was a response to the conflicts between France and Great Britain that involved seizing American ships. The Act had little impact on the two countries but devastated American commerce, leading to economic hardship. It was ultimately repealed in 1809.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Embargo Act of 1807 was a response by President Thomas Jefferson to the ongoing conflicts between France and Great Britain. The two European powers were engaged in the Napoleonic Wars, and both countries were seizing American ships, impressing American sailors, and interfering with American commerce. Jefferson hoped that implementing the Embargo Act would hurt both countries economically and force them to stop their harassment of American ships.
However, the Act had little impact on France and Great Britain, but it severely devastated American commerce. American merchants were unable to sell their goods to Britain and France, leading to economic hardship. The embargo caused a decline in American business activity, and Jefferson and his Republican Party lost favor with the people.
The Embargo Act of 1807 ultimately failed to achieve its intended goals and was repealed in 1809.