As the war between Great Britain and France continued, the United States tried to remain neutral while protecting its trade and its sailors. However, Britain's actions at sea continued to increase tensions between the two countries. In June 1807, one violent encounter brought the United States and Great Britain closer to war.
On June 22, 1807, the British warship HMS Leopard stopped the American warship USS Chesapeake off the coast of Virginia. British officers believed that some sailors who had deserted the Royal Navy were serving aboard the American ship. They demanded permission to search the Chesapeake and remove the sailors.
Commodore James Barron refused. He believed allowing British officers to search an American warship would violate the sovereignty of the United States. After Barron refused, the Leopard fired on the Chesapeake. The American ship was not prepared for battle because its crew had not expected an attack. Three American sailors were killed, and eighteen others were wounded. British officers boarded the Chesapeake. They removed four sailors, claiming they were British deserters.
News of the attack spread quickly across the United States. Many Americans were outraged that a British warship had attacked an American naval vessel during peacetime. Some people believed the United States should immediately declare war on Great Britain to defend its honor and protect its rights.
President Thomas Jefferson chose a different response. Although he believed Britain had violated American rights, he hoped to avoid another war. Jefferson believed the United States was not prepared for another war and hoped economic pressure could protect American rights without using military force.
In December 1807, Congress passed the Embargo Act. The law prohibited American ships from exporting goods to foreign countries and prevented most foreign trade. Jefferson believed Britain and France depended on American products. He hoped that cutting off trade would pressure both nations to respect the rights of the United States.
The Embargo Act was a major change in American foreign policy. Instead of sending soldiers or warships into battle, Jefferson tried to use trade as a weapon. He also believed the embargo would keep American ships and sailors out of dangerous waters where they could be seized or impressed.
The embargo was a sweeping policy because it affected many parts of the American economy. Merchants could not send goods overseas. Farmers lost access to foreign markets for their crops. Sailors and shipowners faced fewer work opportunities. Jefferson hoped these sacrifices were temporary. He believed economic pressure would push Great Britain and France to change their policies without starting a war.
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