1. READING CHECK What was Jefferson's foreign policy? __

Thomas Jefferson's foreign policy was primarily focused on maintaining American neutrality and avoiding entanglement in European conflicts. He believed in a policy of non-intervention and sought to protect American interests through diplomacy rather than military engagement. One of the key aspects of his foreign policy was the Embargo Act of 1807, which aimed to avoid war by prohibiting American ships from trading with foreign ports, particularly Britain and France, who were at war with each other. This act was intended to pressure these nations to respect American neutrality and maritime rights, although it ultimately had significant economic repercussions for the United States.