Part IIThe Failure of Peaceable Coercion

T. Jefferson-President after 35 votes in the House

-Believed trade and the “law of nations” not military power, should govern relations between countries.

-Administration dismantled federalist domestic programs: reduced Army/Navy

abolished Whiskey Tax

reduced national debt

repealed Adams judicial appointees.

France reacquires Louisiana

US sends James Monroe to France to buy New Orleans and Part of Florida.

Successful slave rebellion in Haiti, Napoleon believes cost of territory not worth it.

Offers Louisiana territory for $15 millionUS 2x in sizeFederalist not happy. Felt new land would erode their power, people

would vote Dem-Rep.Constitution: no guidance in adding new landJefferson now offered loose interpretation of Constitution

GB/FR relations deteriorate

American shippers messed up with Berlin Decree and Orders in Council

Subject to seizure by bothBritish continue impressmentSome want warJefferson doesn’t go for itInstead he tries:

Peaceable Coercion:

American commerce could be a weapon of diplomacy (not war)

US sends strong message:

All out embargo to exert economic pressure on GB/FR

STOP ALL TRADE

Embargo act of 1807

US economy hurt

Thousands out of workWidespread dissentJefferson repealed act before leaving officePassed the Non-Intercourse Act of 1809Stop all trade but president could re-open

with eitherOpened ports, encouraged smuggling.Did not solve problem with GB/FR

Madison

Primary author of Constitution and Bill of Rights

British minister to US opened negotiations.Madison reopens tradeAmerican ships leave.British Foreign Sec rejected agreement.US ships get to GB, they are siezed.Madison back to no trade w/GB

Macon’s Bill #2

Reversed Non-Intercourse Act.

Trade with GB/FR

1st belligerent who agrees with it, other out of the game

France moves fast. GB out.

Election of 1810Young westerners to Congress

Not affected by impressment, or trade issues.

But, did regard them as insults to America

Wanted more land (Canada)

War with Indians (British Guns)

Western War Hawks press issue

Congress outfits Army/Navy

Taxes to pay for it

Madison takes issue to Congress