The Embargo Act’s Costly Lesson

December 22nd, 1807. As Europe is consumed by the Napoleonic Wars,

the United States tries to stay out. Congress passes the Embargo Act, banning American

ships from trading with foreign nations. The goal is simple: avoid war by using economic pressure

instead of weapons. The result is disastrous. U.S. ports fall silent, merchants lose fortunes,

and smuggling spreads along the coast. The embargo fails to stop Britain or France — but

it proves a lasting lesson: economic isolation can hurt a nation more than its enemies.

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