Avoid War

Definition

To actively work towards preventing or escaping from a state of armed conflict. In the context of President Thomas Jefferson, it refers to his efforts to maintain peace and avoid engaging in war with Britain despite their repeated violations of American neutrality.

Related terms

Embargo Act: A policy implemented by President Jefferson that prohibited American ships from trading with foreign nations in an effort to avoid war by exerting economic pressure.

Nonintercourse Act: An act passed by Congress that replaced the Embargo Act, allowing trade with all nations except Britain and France as another attempt to avoid war.

Chesapeake-Leopard Affair: A naval incident where a British warship attacked an American ship, causing tensions between the United States and Britain and further highlighting the need for policies to avoid war.