War of 1812 Notes

• What are two events that led up to the War of 1812?

  1. US shipping was being harassed and cargo was being seized
  2. Impressment of American seamen
• What does "impressment" mean?

  British Navy kidnapped American sailors and forced them to join the British Navy
• What did the Embargo of 1807 do?

  Halted all trade with Europe; Economic Diplomacy fails
• Why were Northerners against the Embargo?

  It caused the economy to fail
• Who becomes President after Thomas Jefferson? What is he known for?

  James Madison; known for the Federalist papers and the Constitution
• What did the Non-Intercourse Act do?

  Forbade trade with France and Britain, but the President could reopen trade with either France of Britain if they lifted restrictions
• Who are the War Hawks?

  Southern congressmen who favored war, even though it hurt the East
• What were four potential benefits of a war with Britain?

  1. Allow reopening of trade
  2. National pride
  3. Stop impressment of sailors
  4. Canada!
• What were two potential hazards of going to war with Britain?

  1. Britain was still a great power and America's military was small
  2. Could lose everything they gained from the American Revolution
• Where did the War of 1812 start?

  Canada; it was invaded
• What are three major events at the beginning of the war?

  1. US burns York (Toronto)
  2. Perry defeated the British on Lake Erie
  3. Britain blockades the Eastern Seaboard
• What did the British do after marching to Washington D.C.?

  They burned the White House and the Capitol
• What happens at the Battle at Fort McHenry?

  The British abandon the attack
• Who was at this battle? What did he do?

  Francis Scott Key, who wrote "The Defense of Ft. McHenry" (the Star-Spangled Banner)
• What was the peace treaty called?

  The Treaty of Ghent
• What did it call for?

  No party gained or lost any territory
• Why was it not the real end to the War?

  The issue of impressment was not addressed, and there was no instance communication to alert Americans that it was over
• Who is in charge at New Orleans? What is his strategy?

  Andrew Jackson, his strategy is to use trench warfare
• What are the results at New Orleans?

  British lose majorly, Andrew Jackson becomes a household name
• What are the major results of the War of 1812?

  1. Gave the United States a national identity
  2. Creates a hero in Andrew Jackson and the Western Frontiersmen