Non-Intercourse Act (1809)

The Non-Intercourse Act of 1809 was a United States federal law that replaced the Embargo Act of 1807. It lifted all embargoes on American shipping except for those bound for or departing from British or French ports. The intent was to damage the economies of Great Britain and France, which were engaged in the Napoleonic Wars, and to force them to respect American neutrality rights on the high seas.

Specifically, the Non-Intercourse Act reopened trade with all nations except Britain and France. It stated that if either Britain or France removed its restrictions on American commerce, trade with that nation would be restored. However, trade would remain prohibited with the other nation until it also lifted its restrictions.

President Thomas Jefferson signed the Non-Intercourse Act into law on March 1, 1809, just before leaving office. It proved difficult to enforce, as American ships could easily sail to neutral ports and then transfer their goods to British or French vessels. Furthermore, it did little to ease the economic hardship experienced by American merchants and farmers under the Embargo Act.

The Non-Intercourse Act was ultimately repealed on May 1, 1810, and replaced by Macon's Bill Number 2. Macon's Bill Number 2 reopened trade with both Britain and France but stipulated that if either nation repealed its restrictions on American trade, the United States would reimpose non-intercourse against the other nation. France quickly agreed to this proposal, leading to a strained relationship with Great Britain that ultimately contributed to the War of 1812.