The Embargo Act of 1807 was a general trade embargo by President Thomas Jefferson on all foreign nations that was enacted by the United States Congress. It represented an escalation of attempts to persuade Britain to stop any impressment of American sailors and to respect American sovereignty and neutrality but also attempted to pressure France and other nations in the pursuit of general diplomatic and economic leverage.
In terms of diplomacy, the Embargo failed to improve the American diplomatic position, and sharply increased international political tensions. Both widespread evasion of the embargo and loopholes in the legislation reduced its impact on its targets. Thus, British merchants were well-positioned to grow at American expense when the embargo sharply reduced American trade activity.
Americans opposed to the Act launched bitter protests, particularly in New England commercial centers. Support for the declining Federalist Party, which intensely opposed Jefferson, temporarily rebounded and drove electoral gains in 1808 (Senate and House). On March 1, 1809, the replacement legislation for the embargo was enacted during the last days of Jefferson’s presidency. Tensions with Britain continued to grow and eventually led to the War of 1812.