A United States law enacted in 1807, this legislation prohibited American ships from trading in foreign ports. It was intended to pressure Britain and France, who were at war with each other, into respecting American neutrality and ceasing their impressment of American sailors. For example, American merchants could not export goods to Europe, nor could European ships pick up American goods.
The significance of this act lies in its profound economic impact on the United States. While designed to protect American interests, the measure backfired, devastating American shipping and agricultural industries. Exports plummeted, leading to widespread economic hardship, particularly in New England, which relied heavily on trade. This ultimately fueled domestic discontent and contributed to the growing political opposition to the Jefferson administration. The failure of the act demonstrated the limitations of economic coercion as a foreign policy tool.
