Glossary

Embargo Acts

A series of acts passed by Congress from 1806-1808 prohibiting American trade with Great Britain in the wake of British attacks on American ships, and impeding US trade with France. The acts were an attempt by Jefferson's Democratic-Republican administration to exert pressure on Great Britain through economic sanctions as an alternative to war. The acts and the policy they represented proved extremely unpopular in Massachusetts and other New England states dependent on commerce with Britain.