Final answer:
Jefferson attempted to press Britain and France into respecting neutral rights via a trade embargo, the Embargo Act of 1807, but it was unsuccessful, causing significant economic hardship in America and ultimately failed to change British and French policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Jefferson attempted to coerce Britain and France into recognition of neutral rights through what mechanism? The correct answer is D) a trade embargo. This strategy, encapsulated in the Embargo Act of 1807, was aimed at exerting economic pressure on both nations to respect American neutrality without resorting to war. However, Jefferson's efforts were not successful. The embargo severely impacted American trade without achieving the desired effect on Britain and France. As America faced economic hardships, both foreign powers continued to harass and abuse American shipping. The Federalist Party gained momentum due to the unpopular embargo, and Jefferson's reputation suffered as a consequence. Exercise 11.1.3 provides a statement that requires a true or false response: Jefferson's efforts to use economic pressure to solve the situation with Britain and France were successful. The accurate answer is b. False. His policies, while intended to avoid military conflict, adversely affected American commerce and did not persuade Britain and France to cease their practices against American shipping.