Macon's Bill Number 2 becomes law in the United States

Background. Macon's Bill Number 2 was the fourth in a series of embargo measures, following the Non-Importation Act, the Embargo Act, and the Non-Intercourse Act of 1809. It was a revision of the original bill by Representative Nathaniel Macon, known as Macon's Bill Number 1. The bill intended to force Britain and France to cease intercepting American merchant ships during the Napoleonic Wars.

Legislative Provisions. The law stated that if either belligerent ceased intercepting American shipping, the United States would embargo the other, unless that other country also agreed to cease intercepting American shipping. In May 1810, the bill was passed, giving the president power to suspend trade with either Great Britain or France if the other should cease to interfere with United States commerce.

Diplomatic Impact. Napoleon successfully exploited the bill to further his Continental System, effectively a French embargo on Britain that France tried to enforce on continental Europe, and to damage Anglo-American relations. A message was sent to the United States, purporting to agree to the law's demand. When Britain threatened to impose punitive measures on the United States in response, Napoleon reneged anyway.