Jefferson's weakness in economics was reflected in his public policy as president. Read up on the fallout from his trade embargo of 1807-1808. It caused widespread economic hardship and civil disobedience in the form of smuggling. And, it sapped federal tax revenues.

His party also pushed for the dissolution of the country's first central bank, founded in 1791 under the influence of Alexander Hamilton. The bank's charter lapsed in 1811. When war arrived in 1812, the country lacked the financial resources to protect itself.