In early 1800s, Britain and Freance were engage in a war that could determine their dominance within the European continent.A Problem occured when both of them actually asked United states to became their ally and actively attack the other opposition, They even start to block American ships who want to trade their goods outside to 'force' the US to be their ally.
The Congress saw this a big problem. So, to maintain United States neutrality, they passed Non-Intercourse Act in 1809. This act prohibit every single traders in united states to trade with Britain and France until the situation calmed down.
