Jefferson Era

Part 3 Protecting American NeutralityJefferson EraYankee TradersAfter the Revolution, American foreign trade soared. Yankees found great bargains.Trading went on worldwide.Trade missions sometimes lasted 3 years.Traders had actually reached the Pacific Northwest 10 years before Lewis & Clark did.Some Native Americans even referred to white men as Boston because they had traded with them so frequently, and had heard the word.

Pirates From TripoliTraders could make a lot of money trading in the Mediterranean Sea, but pirates from North Africa frequently raided ships and stole merchandise unless a bribe was paid to them.

In the early 1800s, the leader of one pirate nation, Tripoli, demanded a larger bribe than usual. President Jefferson refused to pay it, so Tripoli declared war on the United States. In response, we blockaded the port of Tripoli.War With TripoliIn one part of the war, our navy snuck into their harbor and destroyed one of our ships they had captured and were going to use against us.Marines also landed in North Africa, and marched 500 miles to launch a surprise attack. The war lasted until 1805.In the end, the ruler of Tripoli signed an agreement to not interfere with American trade.As a nation, we were determined to protect our rights to trade on the ocean.

War in Europe ResumesIn 1803, Britain and France resumed their war. Neither side wanted American products to reach their enemy. Between 1805 and 1807 hundreds of American ships were captured.ImpressmentBritain desperately needed more men to fight its war with France. They resumed an old practice of forcing people into the military. Impressment gangs kidnapped young men and forced them into the navy.

A Smuggled LetterBeing on shore one day in Lisbon, Portugal, I was seized by a gang and brought on board the British ship Conqueror, where I am still confined. Never have I been allowed to put my foot on shore since I was brought on board, which is now three years. James Brown American SailorBritish warships frequently stopped our ships and searched for British sailors. Even worse, thousands of American sailors were also taken.

Americans Are FuriousMost Americans were mad that Britain was attacking our ships and kidnapping our sailors. Many called for war against Britain, but President Jefferson knew we werent prepared.Jeffersons Embargo ActThis policy forbade Americans to export or import any goods.Britain and France were hurt, but American businesses were devastated. Farmers suffered, and sailors were out of work.Exports dropped from $108 million to $22 million.The Nonintercourse ActJefferson realized the Embargo Act had been a disaster. The Nonintercourse Act was passed in its place. Americans could now trade with all nations except Britain and France.Jefferson Leaves OfficeEven though the Embargo Act and Nonintercourse Act were unpopular, Democratic-Republicans remained fairly strong. Jefferson followed tradition and stepped down after two terms. His friend James Madison ran for office, and was easily elected. He hoped Britain and France would respect our neutrality.