ABSTRACT
Economic factors relating to maritime trade and inland settlement combined to bring on the conflict. Both the Northwest and the Southwest were goaded by interests that evoked hostility toward Britain. Napoleon occupied Spain in 1808 and placed his brother Joseph on the throne at Madrid. Since Napoleon upheld Spain's claim to Florida, the Jeffersonians could not conquer the two provinces without opposing him and allying themselves with Britain. The national defence must be provided for as well as the support of Government; but both should be accomplished as much as possible by immediate taxes, and as little as possible by loans. Among Republicans skilled in finance, Albert Gallatin of Pennsylvania so excelled his colleagues as to be the only qualified candidate for the post of Secretary of the Treasury. Acquiescence in the treaty dispelled the war fever and ended the first crisis that emanated from wartime trade.
