The Role Of Trade And Foreign Affairs In The 19th Century

During the nineteenth century, The United States was a major part of trade and foreign affairs in the western hemisphere. Due to this fact, when the British and French ignored the US neutrality at sea, and especially when the British impressed US sailors into their own navy, the infant United States took action. In 1809, Congress passed The Non-Intercourse Act of 1809 which prohibited trade with the problem countries, Britain and France, but continued trade with other nations. The goals of this act was to stimulate trade with other nations besides Britain and France, maintain neutrality, and demonstrate its power by punishing Britain and France for their wrongdoings. This diplomatic solution, however, only lasted for a year. Macon’s Bill Number 2 of 1810 restored trade with the two nations but Napoleon quickly recognized American neutrality, and trade with Britain was cut off. …show more content…
This economic change as well, cutting off trade with both countries, also hurt America’s industries. As a result, war was inevitable due to the economic and diplomatic exhaustion. After the inevitable War of 1812, President James Monroe passed another attempt of diplomatic control in the western hemisphere, the Monroe Doctrine. After Napoleon’s defeat, France’s empire crumbled and restored several monarchies such as Austria and Prussia. These new monarchies along with Russia wanted to colonize in the Americas. However, James Monroe’s Monroe Doctrine stated that if any European powers tried to colonize the Americas, then the US would declare war against that