Thomas Jefferson instituted an Embargo Act in 1807. Americans could not trade with any foreign country legally. For fifteen months, American citizens have been greatly suffering. Jefferson and the government say it is to keep the United States out of the war between England and France. He believes this act will make both of these allies respect the Unites State's neutrality. However, America has suffered more than the British or the French. For fifteen months, America was in a great economic depression. President Jefferson thought this act would instill patriotism in the American public. The only thing he instilled was anger and hunger. Tens of thousands of people were without jobs, therefore without money. Many were left to become poor
