The Embargo was not a "war-time" policy but rather a policy to avoid war. And it was more successful than protection because it was the ultimate in protection.
Jefferson's action was not well though out which is why it was condemned. It destroyed the livelihood of whole sections without having any idea of how to ameliorate its damage. But he was a terrible president in almost every area so it is hardly a shock to see such brainlessness.
It was war-time in the sense that it occured in direct response to offenses committed against American commerce by the participants in a huge war involving a little guy named Napoleon on the other side of the Atlantic.
Jefferson's action was not well though out which is why it was condemned.
Thank you for agreeing. On that note I will once again point out that being compared unfavorably to the Embargo Act of all things makes your tariffs just about the worst policy attempt in American history.