Jefferson Foreign Affairs

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Jefferson Foreign Affairsthe most
extraordinary collection of talent, of human
knowledge, that has ever been gathered together
at the White House, with the possible exception
of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.-How
President JFK once greeted a group of Nobel Prize
Winners.
2
Barbary Pirates

• Pirates from N. Africa (Barbary States) who were
  attacking seizing US ships
• Pirates were paid tribute by Washington Adams
  to prevent them from attacking
• Jefferson refuses to pay and sends US navy
  vessels to the shores of Tripoli.
• US gains respect in the eyes of the world.

3
Chesapeake-Leopard Affair

• Great Britain France were still seizing
  American ships impressing sailors
• (1807) - British warship (Leopard) fires on US
  warship (Chesapeake).
• 3 killed, others impressed into the British navy.
• Anti-British feelings in the US run high. Many
  demand war.

4
Embargo Act (1807)

• Jefferson forbid American ships to sail to any
  foreign port
• Wanted Britain to stop seizing American ships
  respect US neutrality.
• Backfired and caused economic hardships for the
  US (especially in New England)
• Repealed in 1809 by Macons Bill 2

5
Homework Due Thursday

• Read the primary source Issac Clark Is Impressed
  by the British Navy on the back of your notes.
• Answer the following question on a separate sheet
  of paper in a well written paragraph
• Explain how why these stories of impressment
  might have led the US into a war with the
  European powers.