Final answer:
The Embargo Act of 1807, intended to avoid war, failed to influence Britain and France, caused economic hardship, and negatively impacted Jefferson's presidency. Despite its unpopularity, it was initially viewed as the only alternative to war.
Step-by-step explanation:
The evaluation of the Embargo Act of 1807 depends largely on the perspective taken on the goals and outcomes associated with it. President Thomas Jefferson introduced the Act with the intention of using economic pressure as a means to stop Great Britain and France from harassing and abusing American shipping, aiming to avoid warfare. However, the Act did not accomplish its intended effect on the European powers but instead caused significant economic hardship for American merchants, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and contributing to a political resurgence of the Federalist Party. Eventually, Jefferson himself acknowledged the failure of the Embargo Act, which was then repealed in 1809.
Given the information provided and the outcomes of the Embargo Act, the best answer to how the text evaluates it would be that even though it was unpopular, Jefferson had no other feasible options (Option D). The Act was intended to be an alternative to war, which Jefferson was keen to avoid. Unfortunately, the plan backfired, negatively impacting the American economy and Jefferson's popularity, without achieving its diplomatic goals.