Problems with Foreign Powers

Jefferson tries to avoid involvement in the problems of other nations

BMR 15

Jefferson’s Foreign Policy Advises U.S. to be friendly with nations, but not form

alliances

Jefferson’s effort to keep U.S. separate from other nations fails:

*U.S. merchants are trading all over the world

*U.S. has closer contact with other nations

*U.S. has little control over actions of foreign nations

  BMR 15

Problems with France and England

Britain does not want U.S. to supply Britain’s enemies with provisions

Sets up blockade (1805), allows certain American ships to reach Europe

France is angered by blockade, enacts laws to control foreign shipping

If Americans obey British, their ships could be seized by the French

If Americans obey French, their ships could be seized by the British

BMR 15

Problems with France and England

Britain uses impressment, or kidnapping, of American sailors

Impressment interferes with U.S. trade

Famous impressment incident arouses widespread anger in America

Jefferson decides not to declare war on Britain

BMR 15

Trade as a Weapon Jefferson asks Congress to pass the Embargo Act of

1807

*Prohibits U.S. ships to sail to foreign ports *Closes U.S. ports to British

Act hurts U.S. more than it does Britain and France

Because of unpopular embargo, Jefferson loses election of 1808

James Madison becomes president, Congress repeals embargo

Madison allows trade with any country but Britain or France

BMR 15

BMR 15

Tecumseh and Native American Unity Native Americans lose much land to settlers in the Northwest

Territory

Shawnee chief, Tecumseh says Native Americans must unite

Many tribes answer Tecumseh’s call for unity

U.S. defeats Shawnee at Battle of Tippecanoe, sets back Native unity movement

BMR 15

War Hawks British welcomes Tecumseh, warriors in Canada

British-Native American alliance angers Americans in the West

Westerners known as War Hawks call for war with Britain

Americans also angry about British violation of American rights at sea

Andre Jackson, War Hawks urge Congress to declare war

Congress declares war on Britain on June 18, 1812

BMR 15