Embargo
A prohibition of commerce and trade with a particular country
Real World Example
During the Jefferson Era, the U.S. imposed the Embargo Act of 1807, halting all trade with foreign nations to pressure Britain and France, who were interfering with American ships. The goal was to protect U.S. interests without going to war, but it ended up hurting American merchants and farmers instead. This idea of an embargo is important because it shows how countries use trade restrictions to influence other nations' actions. Today, embargoes still matter as they can impact global economies and local businesses; for example, if the U.S. places an embargo on a country that supplies certain electronics, it might raise prices or limit availability for consumers. This can affect everyday life by making some products more expensive or harder to find in stores.
