The War of 1812 War of 1812 France

The War of 1812

War of 1812 • France & Britain at war 1792 - 1814 • What forces brought America into war? – Washington - urged Neutrality – Adams - Convention of 1800 dissolved alliance with France – Jefferson – Passed Embargo act.

Problems • Impressment – Impressment is a practice where a ship of one country forces, or ‘impresses’ the sailors of another country into naval service. • Native Unrest “White people…have driven us from the great salt water, forced us over the mountains, and would shortly push us into the lakes. But we are determined to go no farther. The only way to stop this evil is for all red men to unite. ” ~Tecumseh~ – Settlers moving west pushing Native Americans off their land. – Shawnee chief Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa “The Prophet” led a confederation of tribes in an attempted Pan American Resistance. • People beloved that the British were supporting them. – William Henry Harrison defeated at the Battle of Tippeconoe in 2011. – Tecumseh would ally with the British during the war and die at the Battle of the Thames.

“War Hawks” • Young outspoken members of Congress who wanted War – Often from South & West – Strongly Nationalistic – Henry Clay (KY) – Speaker of Ho. R – John C. Calhoun (SC) Representative – Wanted Glory of war (Like fathers had in revolution) • Desire for land (Canada & Florida)

James Madison • 1809 Madison becomes president – 3 years of failed diplomatic efforts, then declares war.

Review Causes of War • War Hawks push America toward War • British attacked ships that were trying to trade with France. • Britain Impressed American sailors into the British navy. • Britain supported and armed Native Americans to fight against the Americans. • Traditional American tie to France (esp. Dem. Rep. ) • Some Americans wanted to add land from Florida and Canada to the United States (Spain was a British ally) • War declared June 1812

The War of 1812 VERY Quick overview of some events & results of the war

The U. S. was unprepared for a major war Economy hurt by the Embargo Act Charter for National Bank expired in 1811, at a time when it was needed. Regular army inadequate; supplemented by poorly trained militia. Britain possessed the best navy in the world. British blockaded U. S. Atlantic ports for most of the war which hurt U. S. shipping and caused significant opposition to the war. Jefferson’s "mosquito fleet" was inadequate.

DC Burns • US Unprepared for a major war • US tries to invade Canada several times and is repelled by the British. • April 1813 – Americans Burn York • British retaliate with various raids and in August 1814 burn Washington D. C.

Fort Mc. Henry • Sept 13 – 14 1814 • British attack Fort Mc. Henry, bomb it silly. • Stood firm and stopped British advance on Baltimore • Francis Scott Key later writes the Star Spangled Banner

Naval Battles • U. S. wins some major naval victories on Lake Erie and Lake Champlain – Battle of Lake Erie • Oliver Hazard Perry • “We have met the enemy and they are ours. ” – Most Battles Destroyed British Naval Squadrons (smaller ships) carrying soldiers from Canada to invade the U. S. • Eventually the regular British Navy showed up though, and virtually destroyed the entire U. S. Navy

Treaty of Ghent • Signed Christmas Eve 1814 • U. S. pre-war boundaries restored – (No Florida or Canada ) • No mention of stopping the impressment of U. S. Sailors or Indian issues! – Napoleonic wars over – no need • With war over, trade not an issue either. • No “Winner” only loser – Indian Nations.

Battle of New Orleans • 8 th of January 1815 • British feeling pretty good until, 2 weeks later, before word could get to them, Andrew Jackson wiped the British Southern invasion force at New Orleans

Results of war • Growth of American Nationalism – Survived 2 wars with Britain – gained some respect – Jackson’s Victory & early Naval wins – Fort Mc. Henry - Star Spangled Banner • Strengthening Isolation – Get away from fighting the big boys in Europe, focus on the little guys in our own hemisphere - lead to Monroe Doctrine • Encouragement of American Industry • Disappearance of Federalist Party (didn’t support war) • Native Americans forced to surrender large amounts of land with loss of British ally. • Accept Canada’s borders.

Maps of the War

Opposing Views in Song