Foreign Crisis Jefferson began his presidency by echoing Washington’s view that America should remain neutral, trading with all, alliances with none, but the resumption of war in Europe between Britain and France soon challenged this concept of neutrality.

There were several major concerns that threatened to undermine Jefferson’s government and destroy America’s economy…

1. Pirates America depended on trade with Europe Barbary Pirates, were privateers who operated from bases in North America to harass ships in the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic U.S. fought successfully against them between 1801-05.

3. Infringement of Free Trade U.S. claimed that as a neutral nation they had right to trade freely. As Napoleonic Wars raged on, neither France nor Britain would permit this. American merchants still attempted, but often cargo was confiscated

3. Impressment Seizing British or other sailors, including Americans and forcing them to serve in the Royal Navy. 1803, British stopped ships, arrested British deserters and often refused to acknowledge American citizenship. June 1807, Chesapeake: British attempted to stop American ship in American waters, the Captain of Chesapeake refused, British opened fire and many American’s died in attack British seized four, 3 who had American citizenship. Angered, the American public demanded war!

4. The Embargo Act Jefferson demanded compensation but unwilling to risk war against Britain’s superior naval force he proposed a boycott of British goods. 1807, imposed an Embargo – prohibiting trade between America and Britain (or France). The Embargo Act FAILED! It had a greater negative impact upon the U.S.! Exports dropped 80%, agricultural prices collapsed, economic depression followed, merchants went bankrupt, or “were blown off course” to Britain!

Who would create this cartoon & what is its’ message?

Consider: Identify 4 examples of foreign crisis’ Jefferson’s government experienced. What were impressments and why did the practice anger American’s so much? Why did the Embargo Act fail?

The Embargo Act Hurt American Economy Did not change attitudes of France or Britain Smuggling continued Unpopular and effected Jefferson’s Reputation WAS THERE ANYTHING POSITIVE?

1809 – Non-Intercourse Act American ships forbidden to trade with Britain and France BUT they could trade with all other countries. Do you think this economic warfare would be effective?

1808 Jefferson refused to run for re-election and returned to Monticello Secretary of State – James Madison (Democrat Republican) elected by a large majority

1810 Congress permitted American merchants to trade with both countries, HOWEVER, if either France or Britain stopped searching and seizing neutral American ships, then U.S.A would stop trading with the enemy! Guess who rose to the occasion!?

Why would Napoleon Bonaparte decide to stop seizing American ships? So America would be forced to declare war on Britain! And in 1811, Madison announced it would stop trade with Britain. War seemed imminent.

June 18, 1812 War declared! However, unknown to the American’s, Britain had cancelled its search and seizure of American ships 2 days prior!

Principle Campaigns of the War of 1812

The Raid on York

The Burning of Washington August 1814

The Treaty of Ghent - Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo - Signed Dec 24 1814: restored boundaries prior to 1812, British also agreed to vacate remaining forts in West & abandon Native American allies. *Symbolic recognition of U.S. independence.

Victory at New Orleans January 8 1815 700 dead British 20 American Casualties Who is on the White Horse now?

Andrew Jackson, later the 7th President of the United States of America

Consequences of the War of 1812? The Star Spangled Banner http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhrrGu2rcZ4&feature=related War of 1812 by Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7jlFZhprU4

Homework Why was the period following the War of 1812 labelled the “Era of Good Feelings?” (provide at least 5 reasons) OR Do you agree or disagree with the following statement “Canada was a victim of American Imperialism during the War of 1812.”