American Foreign Policy Between 1789-2003 Dbq

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Between the time period of 1789 -1825, the early United States prolonged foreign policy as a means of defense and protecting themselves from perceived or actual threats from Europe. During the early 18th century Thomas Jefferson believed the United States should not get involved in foreign affairs, because it would only harm them. With this Jefferson enforced the Embargo Act of 1807, caused isolation of foreign trading. This idea of isolationism continued during the French Revolution, George Washington believed that the United States was not ready to fight a war. Especially because we were a new country, therefore the Proclamation of Neutrality was issued. It’s clear to say that these two major issues during the period from 1789-1825 reference to the United States foreign policy.
During Jefferson's time in office, France declared war on Europe, while Britain declared war on France. Having all of this war, the amount of trade was lowering which caused oppression in the United States. The blockades created by Napoleon between Great Britain and Europe were not very sufficient, but during the process 1500 American ships were impressed and the sailors were …show more content…

These acts were passed to prevent America from entering the war with European countries. The Embargo Act forbid the United States ships from sailing to any other port in order to prevent American ships from being abducted in the blockades formed. This act was not obeyed entirely because many Americans would smuggle goods to different ports. In result, the Non-Intercourse Act was passed, which allowed American merchants to trade with ports other than the British. The act was then altered, which now stated that Americans could trade with other foreign nations than the nations in Europe. With such foreign policy being passed by Thomas Jefferson on the United States trading, protected them from perceived or actual threats from