| to bring pressure on the rival powers by suspending commerce. The embargo, adopted in December 1807 and strengthened by later legislation, was regarded by Jefferson as the only alternative to war or submission. The act barred all exports to Britain and France. But it had less effect abroad than had been expected and caused economic difficulty at home. This was especially true in New England, heavily reliant on nautical commerce, where it was strongly opposed from the outset by pro-British Federalists and was resisted more extensively and more successfully than elsewhere.In the effort to enforce the embargo, the government was drawn step by step into infringements on the liberties of individuals that were inconsistent with Jefferson's most cherished principles. He exercised no authority that was not vested in him by law, and, distrustful of power as he was, he did not seize it for its own sake. He believed that individuals should accept financial sacrifice on patriotic grounds. Many did so, but there was little glamour in this commercial warfare and the negative heroism it required. Toward the end of his administration, he assented to the embargo's repeal, to save the Union, he said. A more moderate measure was adopted, but it did not avert war with Britain in 1812. |
