American Foreign Policy.

The role of the United States in the political arena of the world has changed dramatically over the years. Ever since the American Revolution ended, the United States steadily grew into one of the most respected countries on the earth. It went from being the underdog to the ultimate champion. It was always looked down upon, yet never gave up. And it is now one of the largest countries in the world, and one of the most esteemed as well.

In 1803, Britain and France went to war. American merchants cleverly took advantage of the European market during this feuding time. The British and French were enthralled in their war, so they both did not engage in trade. In contrast, America traded with both sides, resulting in tremendous profits. Unfortunately, Britain and France proceeded to stop all American trading at once. Napoleon Bonaparte seized American ships going towards England, and British troops halted ships bound for France.

English: Official photograph portrait of former U....

English: Newspaper cartoon from 1912 about the Mon...

James Monroe, fifth President of the United States

In the next couple of years, hundreds of American ships were captured. But Britain did not stop at detaining ships, they also detained the sailors that served on them. The British navy desperately needed more men to fight against France, so thousands of sailors were soon to be impressed. Americans were furious at this act. They were not to be pushed around by the British, who treated them like they were still colonies under the king's rule. Many wanted to declare war, but President Jefferson, determined to avoid conflict, urged Congress to pass the Embargo Act. This was blatantly a display of weakness, cried many. How was the president going to stand idly by while Americans were forced to fight for the enemy? America was in disarray, even as they were still trying to find solid ground to stand on as a new...