Causes of the War of 1812  Britain was at war with France and Spain which led to British ships setting up a blockade to restrict U.S. trade.  President Jefferson’s embargo to change British policies failed.  There were territorial issues with the British occupation in Canada and western U.S. forts  British alliances with Native Americans were stirring up troubles on the western frontier  Impressment – the act of forcing enlisted American sailors (many who fled the harsh British navy) to serve in the British navy.

James Madison and the War Hawks A group of land-hungry southerners and westerners in Congress, known as War Hawks convinced James Madison to ask Congress to declare war on Great Britain John C. Calhoun Henry Clay

Unique Events of the War of 1812  Naval Wars took place along the coast, in Canada, and within the Great Lakes  Privateers were used - a ship privately owned and crewed but authorized by a government during wartime to attack and capture enemy vessels

Unique Events of the War of 1812  On August 24, 1814 the British attacked Washington and burned the White House.  Dolly Madison, the first lady from NC, saved many national treasures, including the famous painting of George Washington.

Unique Events of the War of 1812 On September 13, 1814, Fort McHenry in Baltimore harbor was bombed for 25 straight hours. When the smoke cleared, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write a poem entitled “The Attack on Fort McHenry” on the back of an envelope when he noticed “the flag was still there”. The poem would later be adopted as our national anthem in 1931 and renamed the “Star Spangled Banner”.

Unique Events of the War of 1812  The Creek Indians were defeated by the Americans and Cherokee at the Battle at Horseshoe Bend.  General Harrison (who would later become president) defeated the famous Tecumseh at the Battle of the Thames on October 5, Tecumseh's death ended the North American Indian alliance with the British in the Detroit region.

Unique Events of the War of 1812  The Battle of New Orleans was hailed as a great victory in the United States, making Andrew Jackson a national hero, eventually propelling him to the presidency.  Andrew Jackson’s life was saved by a Cherokee at the famous Battle of New Orleans. Jackson would later become president and issue the Indian Removal Act in 1830, leading to the Trail of Tears.

Effects of the War of 1812  The Native American threat in the west and the south ended.  The U.S. entered a period of isolationism (as opposed to internationalism)  Spurred the Industrial Revolution  Celebrated the “Second War for Independence” and increased patriotism and nationalism  Western Expansion

The Treaty of Ghent (December 24, 1814) The treaty that ended the war did not address any of the pre-war issues. When Britain defeated Napoleon in 1814, Britain agreed to stop fighting with the U.S. Pre- war borders remained the same.