Some of the States, especially New England and the Middle States, were interested in the carrying trade, but all were concerned in obtaining markets.

On account of jealousy interstate trade continued a precarious existence and by no means sufficed to dispose of the surplus products, so that foreign markets were necessary.

The people were especially concerned for the establishment of the old trade with the West India Islands, which had been the mainstay of their prosperity in colonial times; and after the British Government, in 1783, restricted that trade to British vessels, many people in the United States were attributing hard times to British malignancy.

The only action which seemed possible was to force Great Britain in particular, but other foreign countries as well, to make such trade agreements as the prosperity of the United States demanded.

The only hope seemed to lie in a commercial policy of reprisal which would force other countries to open their markets to American goods.