President James Madison's administration sought to address the issue of American merchant ships being seized by France through diplomatic efforts and economic measures. The specific arrangement made with France was the Macon’s Bill No. 2, passed in 1810, which aimed to encourage France and Britain to respect American shipping rights.
Under this bill, the U.S. offered to resume trade with whichever nation—France or Britain—ended its restrictions on American shipping first. France, under Napoleon, responded positively. In 1811, Napoleon announced the repeal of decrees that had led to the seizure of American ships, which temporarily improved relations between the U.S. and France. However, the broader conflict with Britain continued, culminating in the War of 1812. Thus, while some success was achieved in curbing French interference, the overall situation for American shipping remained precarious.
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