War with Tripoli and Embargo Act of 1807

Focus Question: Why did many British and French ships stay home in the late 1700s?

• British and French ships were busy with domestic trade.
• Many British and French ships were exploring new trade routes.
• Many British and French ships stayed home so they would not be captured

• Piracy was not a significant concern for British and French ships.

Reading Comprehension Question: What does tribute mean?

• A method of collecting debts from citizens.
• Money paid for protection

• A formal agreement between nations.
• A type of tax imposed on goods.

Reading Comprehension Question: Why did countries pay tribute?

• It cost less than war with the pirates

• To promote cultural exchange.
• To establish trade agreements.
• To gain military support.

Focus Question: Why did Tripoli declare war on the United States?

• Tripoli declared war on the United States because President Jefferson did not pay them more tribute

• Tripoli declared war due to territorial disputes with neighboring countries.
• Tripoli sought to expand its influence in Europe through military action.
• Tripoli was retaliating against American support for rival factions.

Reading Comprehension Question: What word would complete the flowchart?

• burned
• destroyed
• captured
• sank

Reading Comprehension Question: Why did Stephen Decatur choose to take that action?

• To gain personal fame and recognition.
• To avoid conflict with foreign powers.
• So the pirates could not use it.

• To expand trade routes and markets.

Focus Question: What is the definition of neutral rights?

• Neutral rights refer to the obligations of warring nations to each other.
• Neutral rights meant that American merchant ships could sail the seas freely and trade with both Britain and France

• Neutral rights are the benefits granted to allies during peace.
• Neutral rights are the restrictions placed on neutral countries in conflicts.

Reading Comprehension Question: What did both the British and French do that hurt U.S. shipping during this time?

• They increased tariffs on American goods.
• They allowed American ships to pass freely.
• They formed alliances with U.S. merchants.
• Britain stopped and searched any ship that traded with France. France searched any ship that traded with Britain.

Focus Question: What did the British force the American sailors to do?

• The British forced them to serve on British ships

• The British required American sailors to pay heavy fines.
• The British compelled American sailors to join merchant fleets.
• The British forced American sailors to abandon their ships.

Reading Comprehension Question: Which British practice was a violation of neutral rights?

• Seizing cargo from merchants

• Taxation without representation

• Impressment of sailors

• Blockade of neutral ships