War of 1812

How it began France and Britain were at war with each other, America was neutral. British captured American ships and took all of the people & equipment. (impressment) America passes embargo act: can’t trade w other nations Britain traded with South America instead, and ended up hurting American merchants. Non-intercourse act is passed: can trade w anyone EXCEPT GB and FR War Hawks in Congress pushed hard for war.

Tecumseh and the Battle of Tippecanoe Tecumseh believed all Native Americans should unite. Tecumseh left to ask the Creeks to join him, and William Henry Harrison attacked. This was the Battle of Tippecanoe. Tecumseh survived but lost his supporters

The Canadian Border Americans thought they could just march into Canada. British and Tecumseh joined and captured Fort Detroit. Later Americans burned down York and took control of Lake Erie with Oliver Hazard Perry. Perry led an undersized American fleet to victory on Lake Erie.

The Final Battles Battle of Thames- Americans hurt British power and killed Tecumseh. This hurt the British – Indian Alliance. Later Chief Red Eagle led the Creeks to a battle at Ft. Mims Andrew Jackson later beat the Creeks at the battle of Horseshoe Bend. That was considered his first great win.

The end to the War The British marched into Washington D.C. and burned down the White house. The Treaty of Ghent was signed in Belgium on December 24, 1814. The Battle of New Orleans was after the treaty, and Americans won the battle -Andrew Jackson won

Geography Most of the war happened in the Great Lakes region. Some of the battles, New Orleans and Ft. Mims, happened in the south York, British capitol, is in the same place as present day Toronto. Many present day cities are where forts used to be, for example, Toronto and Detroit.

Economics America’s economy was hurting from a embargo on Britain. Also America was in financial trouble because they just finished the American Revolution. Many of America’s ships were being captured by France or Britain, so that hurt also. Britain also had a bad economy because they just got done fighting France and Napoleon.

Government James Madison was the President at the time of the war. Elbridge Gerry was vice president. For the first time in history, Congress, influenced by the War Hawks, declared war. The New England states opposed war, while south and west states wanted war. Leading War Hawks were Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun.

History England and U.S already had a bad relationship due to the Revolution. U.S. and Native Americans have had a bad relationship due to the taking of land and resources by Americans. The Louisiana Purchase had recently happened and now America wanted to expand west.

Culture Religions in England and America were about the same. Natives had their own religions and beliefs. Americans and British were very similar. Ex: clothes, religion, jobs, mannerisms Natives had a totally different culture; clothes, religion, and beliefs. Some Americans even thought of them as inferior people.