Thomas Jefferson’s LegislationInternational Policy

How did the election of Jefferson change the national government?

Focus on International Policy

Barbary Coast

• Algiers, Monaco, Tunis, and Tripoli

Barbary Pirates

• America had been paying tribute to the Barbary States since they received their independence mostly because Congress believed it was cheaper than going to war.

• Once Jefferson became president he refused to agree to Tripoli's demands for a payment of $225,000 and an yearly payment of $25,000. Tripoli then declared war on the United States.– A 4 year naval war would occur– The U.S. would have a slight victory, but still be required to

pay tribute through 1815.

Transatlantic Slave Trade

End of foreign slave trade• Jefferson had long struggled with our ideas of

democracy and the ownership of slaves.– Tried to force the country to deal with it during the

Revolution and several times later– In England, slavery was not common place after 1792,

but would still be legal throughout the British Empire until 1833

• January 1, 1808, ban is placed on the transatlantic slave trade– Constitution would not allow for its ban earlier

• This ban had no effect on the buying, selling, and owning of slaves within the U.S.

Embargo Act

• Great Britain and France were stealing our ships, sailors, and goods.

• Jefferson requests Congress pass a law that:– Closes U.S. ports to all exports in shipping– Restrictions on British imports

• How did this effect the United States?– Drastically hurt the U.S. economy both business

and farmers

Non-Intercourse Act

• 1809• Lifted all embargos on shipping except for

those to Great Britain and France.• What was Jefferson’s hope with this new act?