Meaning: The quote you provided is attributed to George Norris, a prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Nebraska. In this quote, Norris is discussing the idea of declaring an embargo against the shipping of merchandise from American ports to governments that maintained military zones. This quote reflects Norris's stance on foreign policy and his concerns about military conflicts and their impact on international trade.

In order to fully understand the quote, it is important to provide some context about the historical and political background during the time George Norris was active. George Norris was a key figure in American politics during the early to mid-20th century, a time marked by significant global events such as World War I and the lead-up to World War II. Norris was known for his progressive and independent views, and he was a vocal advocate for non-interventionist foreign policy.

The quote suggests that Norris believed in using economic measures, such as embargoes, as a means of influencing the behavior of foreign governments. In this case, he proposed the idea of imposing an embargo on the shipping of merchandise from American ports to governments that maintained military zones. This indicates Norris's belief in using economic leverage to pressure foreign governments to change their military policies.

The concept of embargoes as a tool of foreign policy has a long history in international relations. Embargoes are often used as a means of exerting economic pressure on a country in order to achieve specific political or diplomatic goals. By restricting trade, embargoes can impact the targeted country's economy and potentially force its government to reconsider its policies.

In the context of the quote, Norris's proposal to declare an embargo against the shipping of merchandise to governments with military zones reflects his desire to use economic measures as a form of peaceful coercion. Norris may have believed that by cutting off the flow of goods to these governments, it could compel them to reconsider their military actions and potentially lead to a peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Furthermore, the quote highlights Norris's concern about the impact of military conflicts on international trade. By suggesting the use of embargoes, Norris was emphasizing the interconnectedness of military actions and economic consequences. He may have been advocating for a more cautious and deliberate approach to foreign policy, one that takes into account the economic ramifications of military actions.

Overall, the quote by George Norris reflects his perspective on the use of economic measures, specifically embargoes, as a tool of foreign policy. It underscores his concerns about military conflicts and their impact on international trade, as well as his advocacy for a more restrained and diplomatic approach to international relations. The quote provides insight into Norris's views on the intersection of economics and foreign policy, and it sheds light on the historical context of American foreign relations during his time.