The Embargo Act was an attempt to: exert pressure on England after the Chesapeake Affair punish the southern states for seceding from the Union permanently damage the American economy bring an end to the impressment of American seamen

The Embargo Act was an attempt to:<br /><br />**exert pressure on England after the Chesapeake Affair**<br /><br />The Embargo Act of 1807 was enacted by the United States Congress and signed by President Thomas Jefferson. It aimed to exert economic pressure on Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars, particularly in response to British actions such as the impressment of American seamen and the attack on the USS Chesapeake by the British warship HMS Leopard. The goal was to force these nations to respect American neutrality and maritime rights by prohibiting American ships from trading with foreign ports.