By far the most important foreign event during the presidencies of both Jefferson and Madison was the Napoleonic wars raging throughout Europe. While there were periods of peace during both presidencies, U.S. foreign policy was a delicate balancing act between Britain, the former colonial master, and France, who had supported the American Revolution. The United States wanted to remain neutral, not wishing to commit its young military and treasury to a war thousands of miles away.
Even so, the Louisiana Purchase, by far the most important event of Jefferson's presidency, would not have been possible without this conflict. Napoleon was in desperate need of money to continue his campaigns and was eager to unload land he thought to be worthless, which is why the United States doubled in size for the cost of just $15 million.
Relations with the British at this time were very tense. The British did not like the U.S. trading with France and frequently seized U.S. merchant ships, taking goods and pressing their sailors into military service in the British Navy. This enraged the Americans, and while James Madison realized the danger in getting caught up in a war with the world's strongest naval power, he nevertheless had to acquiesce to the War Hawks in Congress and declare war, launching the War of 1812, a smaller part of the larger Napoleonic wars.
Foreign events impacted the United States during the presidencies of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. One example of this was the acquisition of the Louisiana Territory. The United States wanted to use the port of New Orleans; unfortunately, that right was rescinded by Spain and the port remained unavailable to the United States even after France got control of New Orleans from Spain. France was also preparing for a major European conflict. When the United States offered to buy New Orleans and West Florida for ten million dollars, the French, who were in need of cash for their upcoming European conflict, offered to sell the entire Louisiana Territory for fifteen million dollars. After some hesitation, President Jefferson agreed, and the size of the United States was doubled with the Louisiana Purchase.
Another example of how world affairs impacted both of these presidents was the conflict that began in Europe in the early 1800s. France and Great Britain were fighting each other, and both countries were concerned that the United States would provide more help to the other side. As a result, both countries interfered with American trade, even though the United States was officially neutral. The British also impressed American sailors. As a result, the United States passed laws that limited trade. The Embargo Act prevented the United States from trading with foreign countries. Later, the Non-Intercourse Act said the United States would not trade with Great Britain or France. If either side agreed to stop interfering with our trade, the United States would resume trading with that side. However, these laws were a disaster for the United States because the United States depended on foreign trade. Eventually, the United States went to war with Great Britain in 1812. One of the reasons for going to war against Great Britain dealt with British interference with American trade, including the impressment of American sailors.
Both President Jefferson and President Madison were impacted by foreign events.
http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/feature/british-navy-impressment/
https://www.history.com/topics/westward-expansion/louisiana-purchase
https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/embargo-1807
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