Unit 3: Republic & Identity Lesson 3.3: Madison & the War of 1812

Essential Question How do the ideas of a “republic” help to shape American identity in the 18th and 19th centuries?

Activation In your groups, determine what the following things were. Proclamation of Neutrality Jay’s Treaty XYZ Affair Convention of 1800 Embargo Act of 1807

James Madison

Remember…. Economic warfare had been ongoing between the British, French, and the Americans for some time. By 1806, Britain has ordered all ships going to Europe needed to have British licenses or they would be searched for contraband. Impressment, or legalized kidnapping, was also running rampant. Britain was short of naval recruits and began searching American ships for “deserters.”

Economic Pressure In order to stop Britain from seizing American ships, President Madison asked Congress to pass the Non-Intercourse Act. This act forbade trade with France and Britain while authorizing the president to reopen trade with whichever country removed its trade restrictions first. Goal = Play Britain against France. Failed.

The Aid of Native Americans Increasing demands of speculators and settlers would continue to spark Native American resistance. A Shawnee leader named Tecumseh believed that Native Americans needed to unite to protect their lands. Tecumseh’s brother, Tenskwatawa, called for the spiritual rebirth of Native Americans. He and his followers tried to practice traditional ways of living near Prophetstown on the Tippecanoe River.

Aware of Tecumseh’s rising strength the governor of the Indiana Territory, William Henry Harrison, prepared to stamp it out. Harrison would march troops towards Prophetstown to take on Tenskwatawa. They met at the Tippecanoe River. The Battle of Tippecanoe left nearly 200 of Harrison’s force dead or wounded. It shattered Native American confidence in Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa. Many, including Tecumseh, fled to Canada. By fleeing to Canada, it seemed to prove that the British were supporting Native Americans (as did the British made weapons they left on the battlefield.)

Assessment Prompt 1 How is the Battle of Tippecanoe considered a turning point?

War Hawks Though it would seem that Britain’s actions hurt Eastern merchants the most, most of the people calling for war in Congress came from the South and West. Led by: Henry Clay (KY), John C. Calhoun (S.C.), and Felix Gundy (TN). Angered by impressment. Believed that war was the only way to save the American reputation. They had two reasons to advocate for war: 1. Planters were devastated by British trade restrictions. 2. Westerners blamed Britain for clashes with Native Americans.

Assessment Prompt 2: Causes of the War of 1812

War with Canada The U.S. was not ready to go to war in the early 19th century. There was less than 7000 fighting men, only 16 naval ships, and little equipment. The biggest problem was posed by the fact that there was very little money to be had to finance the war. Regardless of these facts, President Madison ordered the American military to invade Canada.

The plan was to attack Canada from three points (Detroit, Niagara Falls, and the Hudson River). The attacks failed. Britain easily forced American forces back towards Niagara Falls because some of the NY militia refused to fight. They argued their military service did not require them to leave the country. The third attack was called off after a similar response from the local militia.

The War at Sea Led by Commodore Oliver Perry a secretly constructed fleet attacked British ships on Lake Erie near Put-in-Bay. Four hours later, the British surrendered. Enabled General Harrison to recover Detroit and march in to Canada. By 1814, the U.S. had still not conquered Canada. The British fleet would sail in to Chesapeake Bay in August 1814. Government officials, including President Madison, fled the capital after the militia was easily overpowered and burned the White House.

War in the South After burning the White House, the British turned towards Baltimore. However, Baltimore was ready. After the heavy bombardment of Fort McHenry throughout the night of September 13, 1814 the British abandoned their attack on Baltimore. A young man named Francis Scott Key was held aboard a British ship during the shelling, and was elated to still see the American flag still waving. On the back of a letter he would write a poem that would one day become our National Anthem.

With continued British efforts, the opposition in New England increased. Extremists called for New England to secede. However, the Hartford Convention called for several constitutional amendments to increase the region’s political power. The Battle of New Orleans was a decisive American victory thanks to General Andrew Jackson. He became a national hero.

Lasting Effects of War The Federalists lost popularity and would eventually dissolve forever. Treaty Of Ghent (December 24, 1814) restored the prewar boundaries. However, it did not mention neutral rights or impressment and no territory changed hands. The War Of 1812 increased U.S. prestige overseas and started a wave of patriotism and unity. This led to the Era Of Good Feelings!!!

December 11, 1815: President Madison presents to Congress a trade agreement with Great Britain that would regulate commerce between the two countries. The Rush-Bagot Pact was an agreement between the United States and Great Britain to eliminate their fleets from the Great Lakes, excepting small patrol vessels. The Convention of 1818 set the boundary between the Missouri Territory in the United States and British North America (later Canada) at the forty-ninth parallel.

Assessment Prompt 3: Effects of the War of 1812

Assignment Francis Scott Key’s “The Star Spangled Banner” What happened on Tuesday, Sept. 13, and Wednesday, Sept. 14, 1814? What in the first verse of the National Anthem refers to something that actually happened? Which objects show how the poem "The Defense of Fort McHenry" by Francis Scott Key was being publicized? Which objects indicate that Francis Scott Key's poem was popular? Why do you think the poem was so popular? Did the song immediately become our National Anthem? What caused the present condition of the flag known as the Star-Spangled Banner? What indication is there that the bombardment of Fort McHenry and the subsequent events surrounding Key's poem are considered important today?