The War of 1812: America’s Second War for Independence? Mrs. Housenick APUSH 10/1/09

Challenges to US Maritime Power War between French and British boosted the power of each country, threatened neutral US at sea. US stuck in middle British Orders in Council: All ships going to French ports must first stop at British ports French seizing ships stopping at British ports!

The Chesapeake Incident Impressments continued—6000 Americans between 1808-1811 Chesapeake incident highlighted how serious issue was. Royal frigate tried to seize four “deserters” from American ship. When US refused, ship attacked. Americans enraged but Jefferson worried about full-scale war.

The Solution: The Embargo Act (1807) Very strict law—forbade all exports, attempt at “peaceful coercion” Effects: Hurt economy Catalyzed illegal trade Anger even led to revived Federalist party Changed to Non-Intercourse Act: Begin trade again, just not with France or England.

Presidential Election of 1812

Madison and Macon’s Bill Congress tried to get rid of Non-Intercourse Act with a bargaining measure. Under Macon’s Bill—tried to play countries off of one another. Deal: Whichever country lifted trade restrictions could trade with US, other country would have an embargo against it. French agree to this and US accepts offer—meant US restored embargo against England! One step closer to war.

“War Hawks” John C. Calhoun [SC] Henry Clay [KY]

Tecumseh Americans afraid of Tecumseh’s plan for Indian confederacy against American expansionists.

Battle of Tippecanoe (1811)

Br. Gen. Brock Meets Tecumseh (1811)

“Mr. Madison’s War?”

Divisions Over War Support from South and West, mostly Democratic-Republicans Federalists oppose—especially in New England Still Pro-British Hated Napoleon Didn’t want to acquire Canada—make agrarians and therefore Democratic-Republicans more powerful

A Weak US Military Not prepared for this war—not trained, disciplined; widely scattered Began fighting in Canada—however bad strategy

3 U. S. Invasions of 1812

Campaigns of 1813

Key Victory at Plattsburgh Macdonough and American troops stop British invasion of New York. Key defensive victory.

Battle of Fort McHenry, 1814 Oh Say Can You See By the Dawn’s Early Light… -- Francis Scott Key

The Battle of New Orleans Andrew Jackson and ragtag army—regulars, pirates, Frenchmen, free blacks Most devastating defeat of British attack-2000 killed in half an hour! Restored American honor and pride.

The Hartford Convention New England federalists called in 1814, right before Battle of New Orleans Hartford resolutions did not demand secession. Did demand money from Washington to compensate for lost trade, also restrictions to make declaring an embargo and war more difficult. Also, wanted to get rid of 3/5 compromise, and allow presidents only to serve one term. In end, presented resolutions right when war was over. Federalist party looked stupid! DEATH-KNELL OF THE FEDERALIST PARTY!

Impacts of War of 1812: America’s Second War for Independence? Republic proved itself, increased respect See dangers of divided nation, increased unity War heroes president—Harrison and Jackson Indians lost more land. Increased economic independence.

Multiple Choice Practice 27.Jefferson's Embargo Act provided that A. a. America would not trade with Britain until it ended impressment. B. b. American goods could be carried only in American ships. C. c. America would sell no military supplies to either warring nation, Britain or France. D. d. America would prohibit all foreign trade.

Multiple Choice Practice Ctnd. 22.The new nationalistic feeling right after the War of 1812 was evident in all of the following except A. a. the development of a distinctive national literature. B. b. an increased emphasis on economic independence. C. c. the addition of significant new territory to the United States. D. d. a new pride in the American army and navy.