What problem did the Embargo Act of 1807 aim to address in regard to Britain and France?

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The Embargo Act of 1807 aimed primarily to address the issue of Britain's and France's interference with American shipping and neutral vessels during the Napoleonic Wars. At the time, both nations were engaging in practices that harmed U.S. trade, including impressment of American sailors and seizure of American ships. By imposing the embargo, the United States sought to compel Britain and France to respect American neutrality and change their aggressive maritime policies. The hope was that by cutting off all trade, both nations would be economically pressured into modifying their behavior toward American vessels, thereby protecting U.S. interests and sovereignty on the high seas.

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