The War of 1812 Objective: Describe how war broke out between the United States and Great Britain in 1812.

President Thomas Jefferson The British and French seize American ships and impress American sailors into their navies. American anger focused on British. Jefferson convinces Congress to declare an embargo, a ban on exporting products to other countries. The Embargo Act of 1807 would hurt Britain and other European countries and force them to honor American neutrality. The embargo hurts American more than Britain, and in 1809 congress lifted the ban on foreign trade – except with France and Britain.

President James Madison Great Britain seized American ships and sailors and was thought to have encouraged Native American attacks on American settlers. William Henry Harrison attacks the Shawnee on the banks of the Tippecanoe river making Harrison a national hero. The War Hawks call for war against Britain. After winning the presidency, Madison declares war on Great Britain. Ultimately the United States will win.