Forgotten, yet Important!! War of 1812 Forgotten, yet Important!!

Setting the Stage: 1803-Britain and France were at war again. United States remained neutral, and continued trading with both countries. As a war strategy, both Britain and France tried to cut off each other’s shipping.

Causes of the War US shipping was being harassed, and cargo was seized by the British American sailors were being “impressed” (kidnapped) and forced to join (or rejoin) the British Navy 1807, Thomas Jefferson convinced Congress to pass the Embargo Act—forbidding foreign trade.

Causes of the War cont… The Embargo Act backfired-US exports fell, crop prices declined, and many lost jobs. The Embargo Act was repealed in 1809, foreign trade was reopened with every country except Britain and France. Americans angry at Britain for arming Native Americans in the Northwest

Goodbye, TJ!—Hello, James! Jefferson did not seek a 3rd term James Madison becomes 4th President (1809) (had been Jefferson’s Secretary of State) most important contributor to the Constitution. shortest President James’ wife, Dolley, was from NC

To War or Not to War? War Hawks wanted WAR!!!-wanted to go westward and wouldn’t mind getting their hands on CANADA!! Angry with British for arming Native Americans Resented continued Impressment of US Sailors. Others didn’t want war—they remembered the long and bloody Revolution and didn’t want “Round 2” with England NC was sharply divided on the question

Benefits to War with Britain To allow reopening of trade National Pride (“We whipped the British again!”) To stop the Impressment of sailors CANADA!!

Drawbacks to War The country was divided on the question (political problem) Military was still small (less than 7,000 men and only 16 warships.) Would be hard to defend coastline (NC was worried about this) England was still England and was a Superpower that could crush us into dust!! (Possibly lose territory gained in Treaty of Paris and Louisiana Purchase.)

War is Declared! June 1812—Madison asked Congress for a declaration of war. “Mr. Madison’s War” Vote is split along regional lines (Northeasterners didn’t want war—they wanted to trade /$$$$) The US invasion of Canada is only mildly successful.

Attack the Capital!! Britain invades DC!! (August 1814) The British destroy much of Washington, burning the Capitol and the White House Dolley Madison barely escapes from the White House but saves a valuable painting of George Washington (Dolley becomes a hero, You go girl!!!)

Other “Key” People and events Andrew Jackson (from NC) becomes a war hero at the Battle of New Orleans in January of 1815 (after the treaty to end the war had been signed) Francis Scott Key wrote a poem “The Star Spangled Banner” while watching the Battle of Fort McHenry in Baltimore’s harbor.

Treaty of Ghent War “ends” with treaty signed on Christmas Eve of 1814. Returned things to how they were before the war. Showed we could go against the British. STALEMATE!!— No one gained or lost territory The issue of Impressment wasn’t even addressed! (faded on its own)

If it’s a tie, who cares?! It gave the US a great sense of national pride Started us thinking about continuing westward expansion. Started a wave of ideas and new energy. (NC was an exception) Andrew Jackson becomes a hero and goes on to the US Presidency a few years later– and changes ideas about politics.