Non-Intercourse Act (1809)

The Non-Intercourse Act of March 1809 lifted all embargoes on American shipping except for those bound for British or French ports.

Enacted in the last sixteen days of President Thomas Jefferson's presidency by the 10th Congress to replace the Embargo Act of 1807, the almost unenforceable law’s intent was to damage the economies of the United Kingdom and France. Like its predecessor, the Embargo Act, it was mostly ineffective, and contributed to the coming of the War of 1812. In addition, it seriously damaged the economy of the United States. The Non-Intercourse Act was followed by Macon's Bill Number 2. Despite hurting the economy as a whole, the bill’s prohibition on British manufactured goods stimulated domestic production and helped America begin to industrialize.