Mathew Carey on the War of 1812, by Ari Sclar

There is one strong and striking point of view in which the subject of impressment may be considered, and which really renders the tame acquiescence in it, which was lately contended for, pregnant with awful results. England has impressed from our ships, Danes, Swedes, and Italians as well as native Americans. WE HAVE SUBMITTED TO IT. And Mr. Pickering, Mr. King, governor Strong, H.G. Otis, etc. plead in favor of submission. If this be just, what right, I demand have we to prevent all belligerents whatever and at all times, from copying the example? Suppose France, Spain and Italy, at war. Are not the cruisers of each nation justified in searching our vessels for the subjects of the powers to which they respectively belong, and as fully entitled to enslave Danes, Portugese, Swedes, and Englishmen on board as the British cruisers are to enslave Frenchmen, Spaniards, Danes, and Portugese? This is a horrible view of the subject, and must curdle the blood in the veins of every man possessed of American feeling. There is not calculating the extent or the enormity of the evil.

• Mathew Carey, from The Olive Branch: or Faults on Both Sides, Federal, and Democratic (10th edition, 1818)

1. What policy is Carey referring to and what is his point of view?

2. Which group(s) is Carey referring to as advocating “tame acquiescence [compliance]”?

3.

How does this excerpt reflect American foreign policy attitudes and goals in the early Republic, 1790-1825?