As expected, Britain declared war on France in 1803 and would remain at war for over a decade. Both combatants struck at American neutral trade, trying to strangle each other economically. During this period of war, Napoleon and British leaders concentrated on European affairs, but the conflict spilled over into the sea at the Battle of Trafagar, British was the worst offender. The Royal Navy seized more than 500 vessels between 1803 and 1807. The United States succeeded in remaining neutral, but suffered from impressment, British seizure of British-born naturalized U.S. citizens into the British navy. Jefferson’s administration launched an intensive political effort with several measures: Increasing the Army’s strength: the appropriation of …show more content…
New England’s local economy was ruined, the embargo hurt England far more than France. They opposed the law that Jefferson had to use both regular and militia to enforce it. Now Jefferson spoke about the necessity of preserving an orderly government. Western concerns were pushing the United States towards war. Many of the Americans believed the country’s option was either to fight or surrender. With Congress voicing frustration over relations with England. Even Jefferson admitted that “every hope from time, patience, and love of peace are exhausted and war or abject submission is the only alternative left to us.” Rarely have nations gone to war so reluctantly. Now the United States starts to make a few warlike preparations. This was a little late after all of the conflicts that have been going on over this period of time, and now they are going to prepare their men for war. Jefferson was being reactive with his administration, instead of being proactive in their preparation of a possible conflict. This marked a period of the United States weakness in the face of British power. Madison was a weak commander in chief. The general officers were an average ages of 60. They went to war on a financial shoestring, which resulted in inadequate logistical support for the armed forces. Then the generals from the Navy and Army officers wouldn’t pay attention to each other’s concerns. This was something they didn’t want to get involved in but with the political pressures and the government’s weakness and the slow primitive means of transportation and communications it became a long battle for the United