The War of 1812 Essential Questions: Do Now: Homework: What led the U.S. into the war of 1812? Was the decision for war a popular one for Americans? What was the outcome of the War of 1812? Do Now: Video Worksheet Homework: Quiz tomorrow on Ch. 4

The Decision for War The Non-Intercourse Act forbade trade with Britain or France allowed the president to reopen trade with either country if trade restrictions were dropped. War hawks, or proponents of the war, believed the nation’s reputation was in danger if the United States did not go to war to stop the British from seizing American sailors. Tecumseh’s flight to Canada and the British-made rifles his forces had been using during the Battle of Tippecanoe seemed to be evidence of British support of attacks on American settlements by Native Americans. Americans were deeply divided over the war the military had fewer than 7,000 troops the navy had only 16 vessels borrowing money to finance the war was problematic.

Invasion of Canada Three initial attacks on Canada failed due to militia troops refusing to cross the border and the British navy on Lake Erie Commodore Oliver Perry constructed a fleet and after four months, defeated the British navy on Lake Erie Perry’s victory allowed General Harrison to recover Detroit but by the end 1813 the U.S. had still failed to conquer any Canadian territory Britain was able to send more of their military to deal with the United States after their war with France ended in 1814.

End of the War In August 1814, the British marched into Washington D.C. and set fire to the White House and the Capitol. Baltimore was ready for the British and inflicted heavy casualties on troops that went ashore causing the British to abandon their attack. Federalists in New England that were pushing to increase the regions power were ignored following the resounding victory of General Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans.

Treaty of Ghent Britain was ready for peace after losing at Lake Champlain, and running out of money fighting Napoleon and US Treaty signed December 24, 1814, but US did not hear until February 1815 Terms of the treaty Return to the conditions before the war Issues were not resolved, but US and Britain could work peacefully together now

Downfall of the Federalists Opposition in New England to the war Every state north of Maryland voted against Madison and war in 1812 States did not provide money to support war effort Militias were not sent outside of their states Trade had fallen to 10% of what it was before the war Hartford Convention 5 New England states proposed if federal government behaved unconstitutionally, states should take power Wanted to limit power of South and West Opposition to War killed the Federalist party