key term - Orders in Council

Definition

Orders in Council were a series of regulations enacted by the British government during the Napoleonic Wars, primarily aimed at restricting neutral trade with France and its allies. These orders played a significant role in shaping American foreign relations and trade policies as they often led to tensions between the United States and Great Britain, showcasing America's struggle to maintain neutrality amid European conflicts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Orders in Council were first issued in 1807, and they required neutral ships to obtain licenses from Britain before trading with France or its allies.
2. These orders significantly hindered American trade, leading to economic distress in the U.S., which relied heavily on international commerce.
3. The U.S. government viewed the Orders in Council as violations of its neutral rights, increasing tensions between the United States and Great Britain.
4. The Orders contributed directly to the outbreak of the War of 1812, as American frustration over trade restrictions and impressment intensified.
5. The repeal of the Orders in Council came too late to prevent war, as they were rescinded just before the declaration of war by the United States in 1812.

Review Questions

• How did the Orders in Council impact American trade and its economy during the early 19th century?
  • The Orders in Council had a profound negative effect on American trade by restricting access to vital markets. Neutral ships were required to obtain licenses for trading with France and its allies, making it difficult for American merchants to operate freely. As a result, this led to a significant downturn in trade, economic distress, and growing resentment towards Britain, which ultimately contributed to calls for war among Americans.
• In what ways did the Orders in Council serve as a catalyst for rising tensions between the United States and Great Britain?
  • The Orders in Council served as a catalyst for escalating tensions because they directly challenged America's rights as a neutral nation. By imposing severe restrictions on American trade and compelling merchants to comply with British regulations, these orders fueled anti-British sentiment across the country. This tension was exacerbated by incidents like impressment, where British forces forcibly recruited American sailors, leading many Americans to call for military action against Britain.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Orders in Council on U.S.-British relations and American foreign policy following the War of 1812.
  • The long-term consequences of the Orders in Council significantly altered U.S.-British relations and American foreign policy. After the War of 1812, there was a mutual desire to improve relations and prevent further conflicts, leading to increased diplomacy between the two nations. The experience of dealing with British restrictions also encouraged America to adopt more assertive foreign policies and seek greater independence in its international dealings, marking a shift towards an era where the U.S. began establishing itself as an influential player on the world stage.

Related terms

Impressment:

The British practice of forcibly recruiting American sailors into the Royal Navy, which was a major point of contention leading up to the War of 1812.

Embargo Act of 1807:

A law passed by the United States Congress that prohibited American ships from trading with foreign nations, aimed at avoiding war but ultimately harming the U.S. economy.

Macon's Bill No. 2: A U.S. law that attempted to motivate Britain and France to respect American neutrality by restoring trade with whichever nation ceased restrictions against the U.S. first.