Macon's Bill Number 2,[1] which became law in the United States on May 14, 1810, was intended to force Britain and France to cease intercepting American merchant ships during the Napoleonic Wars.

It stated that if either belligerent ceased intercepting American shipping, the United States would embargo the other, unless that other country also agreed to cease intercepting American shipping.

A message was sent to the United States, purporting to agree to the law's demand.

President James Madison, a staunch opponent of the bill, had little choice but to accept Napoleon's ostensibly sincere offer.

When Britain threatened to impose punitive measures on the United States in response, Napoleon reneged anyway, having achieved his goal of pushing the United States and Britain closer to the eventual War of 1812.