Foreign Policy

With the Louisiana Purchase and his success at lowering taxes and the national debt, Jefferson completed one of the most successful presidential terms in United States history. In 1804, he easily won re-election against the Federalist candidate, Charles Pinckney. Jefferson, however, would face new headaches from an old source in his second term.

Great Britain and France again went to war in 1803. At first, American merchants thrived as a neutral country trading with both sides. As the war escalated, the British and the French each imposed a blockade on the other. Both nations ignored the rights of neutral nations and began seizing American ships. Between 1803 and 1807, the British seized 500 U.S. ships and France seized 300 American vessels.

Adding further insult, Britain returned to its policy of impressment. Royal sailors searched American merchant vessels for people they claimed were deserters from the British Navy. They seized thousands of men. Some were, in fact, deserters, but many were U.S. citizens. These Americans were then forced to serve in the Royal Navy. In a dramatic affront in June 1807, the British warship, Leopard, sailed into U.S. waters and attacked and seized the American frigate, Chesapeake.

War fever swept the nation after the Chesapeake incident. Enraged Americans demanded retaliation against the British.

If you were Jefferson what would you have done?
Go to War		Jefferson hated the idea of war and the large military and high taxes that would accompany it. He did not urge Congress to declare war.
Do Nothing		Americans were being forced to serve in the British navy and to seize American ships. Jefferson didn't stand by without doing anything.
Do Something Else		Jefferson knew that something must be done. He convinced Congress to pass the Embargo Act of 1807. This attempt at economic coercion banned American merchant ships from sailing to foreign ports. Jefferson hoped this economic boycott would force Britain and France to respect the United States' neutral rights.

If you were a merchant, what would you have wanted Jefferson to do?
Go to War		Heck yes! The sailors on your ships were being impressed into the British Navy and none of your ships (and their valuable cargo) were safe. Besides, war would be good for business.
Do Nothing		This is a temporary crisis. Britain has been the best trading partner for the United States. War would impoverish me. Surely a negotiated settlement short of war is possible.
Do What He Did		No way! The embargo ravaged the businesses of American merchants and ship owners. It hit the New England and northern states especially hard. Just as they had done during the colonial era to avoid British regulations, American merchants again resorted to smuggling. Jefferson's attempts to enforce the embargo had little effect other than to decrease his popularity.

Meanwhile, Britain and France made no change in their objectionable policies.

Jefferson's Presidency

The presidency of Thomas Jefferson lasted from 1801 to 1809. Some historians rank him as one of the nation's best chief executives, while others believe he did his best work before 1801. What do you think? How effective was Thomas Jefferson as President?