The wartime embargo proved to be very short-lived. In April 1814, following the initial British victory against Napoleon, European ports were reopened to US shipping. A large majority in Congress voted to repeal both the embargo and non-importation, but this made little difference to trade. With Napoleon no longer a threat, Britain shifted its military forces across the Atlantic to confront the United States. The Royal Navy tightened its blockade, extended it to New England ports as well, and managed to sail up the Potomac River and burn the White House and Capitol building.
