War of 1812 June 18, 1812 – February 18, 1815

Causes 1.The British did not want American ships to trade with France because Britain and France were at war with each other in Europe. 2.The British stopped American ships, took their cargoes, and forced American sailors to serve in the British Navy (impressment). 3.The Americans accused the British of encouraging Chief Tecumseh and the Indians to attack settlers in the Northwest Territory.

With Partner: Discuss with partner what options the US might have to stop the impressments of its sailors, and to discourage the potential for Indian attacks. -- What can the US do to defend itself against these efforts by Britain?

Reaction of the United States Embargo Act was passed in 1807 to prevent American ships from being captured. Group of Congressmen called the “War Hawks” wanted to declare war on Britain. – Hoped to add Canada and Spanish Florida to the United States. – Led by John C. Calhoun of South Carolina and Henry Clay of Kentucky. – President James Madison asked Congress to declare war.  U.S. declared war on Great Britain in 1812.

With a partner: Discuss with your partner how effective an embargo would be, as in how would it prevent impressments. -- Discuss and explain how a war will solve these problems with the British.

Major Events of War of 1812 Americans were divided over war. People in the South and West favored war. People in New England opposed war because it interfered with trade and business. Hartford Convention: near the end of the war, some states threatened to “secede” (withdraw) if the war did not end soon.

American soldiers were outnumbered, poorly trained and poorly equipped. They were defeated many times by the superior British army and navy. (Sound familiar?) The United States invaded Canada and FAILED. The British attacked Washington D.C. and… – The Capitol and White House burned to the ground. – But the U.S. defeated British forces at Fort McHenry, which protected Baltimore. The Star- Spangled Banner is written about this battle.

With a partner: Discuss the affect burning the Capital and White House buildings in Washington, D.C., might have had on the American people. -- Why was the states’ threat to secede from the Union serious?

Battle of New Orleans General Andrew Jackson defeated the British at New Orleans, the final battle. Battle of New Orleans was fought two weeks after the Treaty of Ghent was signed in Europe (1814), which ended the war. – The copy of the treaty reached the U.S. after the battle since it came from Europe.

USS Constitution was nicknamed “Old Ironsides.”

With a partner: Discuss with your partner why the Battle of New Orleans was significant for Andrew Jackson and the USA.

Results Neither side really won the “Second War for Independence.” – This war preserved the freedom the U.S. won from Britain in the Revolutionary War. Andrew Jackson became a national hero. Manufacturing developed in the U.S. since they could not trade with Europe during wartime. (Hamilton would be happy!)

Results (cont.) Americans saw the need for a strong central government. Countries in Europe showed more respect for the U.S. Nationalism swept the country. Citizens felt more like Americans than members of individual states. (That will change, later.) The Federalist Party died. (Hamilton would be unhappy.  )