Final answer:
The purpose of the Embargo Acts was to fight an economic battle with Great Britain and France without going to war. However, the Acts had little impact on the target countries but devastated American shipping, leading to economic hardship at home. The Embargo Acts were not successful, resulting in a loss of favor for President Jefferson and the Republicans.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of the Embargo Acts was to fight an economic battle with Great Britain and France without going to war. The Acts were expected to have a negative economic impact on both countries and force them to stop harassing American shipping. However, the Acts had little impact on the target countries and instead devastated American shipping, leading to economic hardship at home.
The Embargo Acts were not successful as they did not achieve their intended purpose. The Acts caused significant harm to American merchants and the economy, leading to a loss of favor for President Jefferson and the Republicans. The failure of the embargo ultimately led to its repeal in 1809.