War of 1812

• What are some causes of the war?

  • Impressment of American sailors
  • British interference with American trade
  • British support of Native American tribes
  • War Hawks and their influence
• What is the impressment of American sailors?

  British naval forces forcibly enlisted American sailors into their own navy, claiming they were deserters from British ships. This practice outraged Americans and was seen as a violation of their sovereignty.
• What was British interference with American trade?

  The British imposed trade restrictions on the United States, including the Orders in Council, which hindered American merchants from trading with European nations. This economic hardship fueled resentment and contributed to the call for war.
• How did the British support Native American tribes?

  British agents provided support, including weapons and encouragement, to Native American tribes resisting American expansion into their territories. This support exacerbated tensions between Native Americans and American settlers.
• What were War Hawks and their influence?

  War Hawks, primarily from the South and West, pushed for war with Britain. They believed that war was necessary to defend American honor, protect American interests, and secure western expansion. Their influence in Congress helped lead to the declaration of war in 1812.
• What were key events that led to the war?

  Chesapeake-Leopard Affair in 1807, the Embargo Act in 1807, and the Non-Intercourse Act in 1809, which all increased tensions between the United States and Britain
• Battle of Tippecanoe:

  • in 1811
  • William Henry Harrison's forces defeated Tecumseh's Native American confederacy
  • Weakened Native American resistance to American expansion into the Northwest Territories
• Battle of Lake Erie:

  • in 1813
  • Oliver Hazard Perry's naval victory secured control of Lake Erie for the United States
  • paved the way for General William Henry Harrison to successfully invade Canada
• Battle of New Orleans:

  • in 1815
  • Andrew Jackson defeated the British in January 1815
  • Became a symbol of American resilience and bolstered national pride
• James Madison:

  • fourth president of the United States
  • Led the country during the War of 1812
  • Played a crucial role in shaping the wars outcome
• Andrew Jackson:

  • Known for his leadership during the Battle of New Orleans
  • became the seventh president
  • Left a lasting impact on American politics and expansion
• Tecumseh:

  • Shawnee chief
  • Skilled military leader
  • He formed a Native American confederacy to resist American expansion on Native lands
• Oliver Hazard Perry:

  • Naval officer
  • His victory at the Battle of Lake Erie boosted American morale and secured control of critical waterways
• Treaty of Ghent:

  • Treaty ended the war
  • Restored pre-war borders
  • Did not address the issues that led to the conflict leaving many unresolved tensions
• Impact on Native American tribes:

  • Weakened Native American resistance
  • Further loss of land and autonomy for indigenous peoples
  • Set a precedent for future conflicts
• Strengthening of American nationalism:

  • Fostered a sense of national identity and unity
  • Shaped the country's cultural and political landscape
• Changes in U.S. - Britain relations:

  • The war ended in a stalemate
  • Paved the way for improved diplomatic and economic ties in the years after the conflict
• Legacy of the war:

  • National symbols and anthems; gave way to national symbols like the Star-Spangled Banner, inspired by the defense of Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore
  • Impacts on American expansion; contributed to the westward expansion of the United States and set the stage for further territorial acquisitions, including the acquisition of Florida from Spain.
  • Lasting effects on Native Americans; weakened Native American resistance and led to further displacement and marginalization
  • Historical debates; historians debate the causes, conduct, and consequences of the war