The War of 1812

James Madison (1809-1817) Democratic-Republican 4th President Defeated Charles Pinckney (Federalist) 122 to 47

Causes of War of 1812 Native Americans Impressment “War Hawks”

Native Americans 1811—William Henry Harrison defeats Chief Tecumseh at Battle of Tippecanoe Americans blamed British for arming Indians and encouraging N.A. to attack settlers

Impressment Madison like Jefferson was unable to stop Britain from seizing ships British kept interfering with U.S./French trade

“War Hawks” Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun (leaders) Wanted war to capture Canada (Britain) and Florida (Spain)

Major Events Congress declares war on Britain (1812) U.S. Captures Great Lakes but not Canada Britain blockaded Atlantic Coast and prevented New England states from trading British troops marched into D.C. and burned the White House and Capitol Building

“The Star-Spangled Banner” British attack Baltimore after burning D.C. Battle of Fort McHenry – Francis Scott Key witnesses the battle and writes the poem to celebrate U.S. victory Becomes National Anthem

Treaty of Ghent U.S. and Britain sign peace treaty in 1814 Agree to prewar boundaries Technically, neither side wins

Battle of New Orleans U.S. greatest victory in the war Occurs two weeks after Treaty of Ghent was signed American troops led by Andrew Jackson who later becomes President

Hartford Convention Federalists condemned the war b/c it hurt New England trade – “Mr. Madison’s War” Due to tremendous success of the war, support for Federalists declined Federalists in New England met to consider secession then wanted amendments to strengthen political north Madison and country ignored and Federalist party dies

Results of the War of 1812 Neither side wins the war Jackson becomes national hero (President) Manufacturing develops in U.S. b/c they were unable to trade Countries in Europe begin to respect U.S. Spirit of nationalism spreads across nation Americans see the need for a strong central government in time of crisis Federalist party disappears