1808-1815 The War of 1812

James Madison (1809-1817) Elected 4th president of the United States. “Father of the Constitution” was instrumental in the drafting of the Constitution Continued to deal with issue from the war between France and Britain

Moving toward War A series of trade restrictions placed on American trade with France by Britain The impressment of US seamen into the royal navy. (4000 by the end of 1810) British military support for Native American tribes who were resisting American expansion to the west

War Hawks 1811: The new Speaker of the House Henry Clay of Kentucky leads a group of pro-war members of Congress called the Hawks (mainly from Western and Southern States) War Hawks gain momentum after US forces led by William Henry Harrison win the Battle of Tippecanoe Nov. 7, 1811

1812 President Madison asks Congress to declare War on Great Britain United States declares war on Great Britain on June 18, 1812 Early stages of the war are fought at sea, and in Northern parts of North America. Great Britain begins to blockade American Ports, the size will grow over time.

1813 In the North, William Henry Harrison led American forces to a victory at the Battle of the Thames Aug. 30, 1813- Fort Mims Massacre- “Red Stick” Creek Indians attack the fort an kill over 500 settlers, mixed heritage creeks, and militia General Andrew Jackson is sent to deal with Creek threat

1814 March 27, 1814- Battle of Horseshoe Bend- General Andrew Jackson’s troops defeat the Red Stick Creeks clearing much of modern day Alabama August 24, 1814- British troops land near Washington and will take control of the capital burning down the White House and other buildings

1814 September 12-15- British move to attack Baltimore, America will hold and the British will be forced to withdrawal. The Defense of Fort McHenry will be written by Francis Scott Key(later known as the Star Spangled Banner) December 24, U.S. and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Ghent ending the war of 1812

1815 January 8, The Battle of New Orleans- Huge American Victory. Even though the war had ended British and American forces fight one last battle. American forces under General Andrew Jackson defeat British forces.