Sasso US I

 Most of TJ’s 2 nd term deals with trying to maintain American neutrality  Hoped that “nature and a wide ocean” would keep the US isolated from Euro Affairs  “Peace is our passion”  Good luck with that

 The first test on the issue doesn’t come from a major Euro power  It’s the Barbary pirates  : US paid over $2 million in tribute  TJ is determined to NOT pay the Barbary pirates  Will essentially carry out a 4 year war against them  This will force TJ to increase the size of the navy

 The vast majority of his second term is spent trying to stay out of the newest England-France conflict  The English and French had renewed fighting in 1803  The US serves as a big trade partner for both sides  Yet again, England and France decide that the US siding with both nations was unacceptable  The European methods of persuasion violate American freedom on the seas  Both will find ways to cut off American trade

 France will issue the Napoleonic decrees  Countries under French control could not import British goods  Neutral ships bringing British goods were to be seized  England will answer with the Orders in Council  Neutral ships are not allowed to trade with Europe, unless they stop in England first  England was very worried about the US taking over Euro trade

 U.S. is more upset with the British policy of impressment  Basically it’s legalized kidnapping  Seize sailors from American ships  Impressment was a method of keeping their numbers up  Chesapeake vs. Leopard (1807)- England attacks U.S. ship in U.S. waters  TJ is not going to let it go unanswered, but he would like to avoid war if possible

 In TJ’s mind, England and France are extremely dependent on US goods  Rationalizes that both nations will respect neutral rights if the US cuts trade with them  At TJ’s urging, Congress will pass the Embargo Act (1807)- Forbids US ships to sail for foreign ports  This barely hurts England, doesn’t hurt France, and nearly cripples US  Exports: $198 million to $22 million  Imports: $138 million to $55 million  Smuggling goes exponential  TJ begins to station militia at Canadian border and permits them to search whomever they want

 TJ will not be in office long enough to see the error of the Embargo Act  He will step down in 1808 after two terms  Uses his influence to secure the nomination of James Madison  Madison crushes Charles Pinckney in the election of 1808  Congress will repeal the Embargo Act; replace it with the Non- Intercourse Act  No trade with England or France; rest of the world is OK  Macon’s Bill #2- offered to both England and France  Whichever nation chose to respect US rights would have full trade agreement with US- the other would be cut off  Napoleon jumps on the offer; Madison cuts all trade with England  Sets the stage for the War of 1812