The United States has significant leverage over international trade, but using it as a tool is more complex than initially thought. The country’s founders recognized America’s insatiable desire for overseas commerce. John Adams noted in 1785 that Americans are “as aquatic as the tortoises and sea-fowl” when it comes to trade, making it an unalterable habit. Thomas Jefferson acknowledged this reality but preferred a simpler approach, advocating for self-sufficiency through farming.
However, even Jefferson’s own lesson learned from history proved difficult to apply in practice. In 1807, he attempted to embargo trade with Great Britain in response to British naval mistreatment of American merchants on the high seas. Unfortunately, this move backfired, sparking secession talk in New England states that heavily relied on trade. The experience highlighted how Americans are more willing to support a shooting war than a trade war. This lesson is now being tested with President Trump’s approach to using US trade leverage against other nations.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/03/american-weakness-trade-history/682065