Which of the following was one result of the failure of the Embargo Acts in the context of economic policy?

• A. The establishment of free trade agreements with European nations
• B. An immediate increase in foreign investment in the United States
• C. A significant decline in American exports and economic hardship for merchants
• D. Rapid industrialization across the Southern states

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the historical context of the Embargo Acts, which were U.S. laws passed in the early 1800s aimed at restricting trade with foreign nations, particularly Britain and France, to avoid involvement in their conflicts.
2. Recognize the intended economic policy goal of the Embargo Acts: to pressure foreign nations by cutting off American exports, hoping to protect American interests without resorting to war.
3. Analyze the actual economic impact of the Embargo Acts, noting that instead of pressuring foreign countries, the U.S. economy suffered due to a significant decline in exports, which hurt American merchants and traders.
4. Identify that the failure of the Embargo Acts did not lead to increased foreign investment or free trade agreements, nor did it immediately cause rapid industrialization in the Southern states, but rather economic hardship.
5. Conclude that the key result of the failure was the significant decline in American exports and economic hardship for merchants, which aligns with the correct answer choice.