Do Now What was the U.S.’s first reaction when Great Britain and France went to war with each other? Explain what it means to impress a soldier. Which country used this practice often? Explain the purpose of the Embargo Act of 1807 and its result.
Causes of the War of 1812 Impressment Trade interference War Hawks British providing weapons for Native American attacks
I. War of 1812 Objective 1.03:
A. Beginning of the War British/American Indians vs. U.S. Most battles were along the Canadian border. American success along the Lake Erie border with Canada, but did not take any Canadian land. Burned the city of York (present day Toronto).
Video While watching the video, answer the following questions: What was Washington, D.C. like in 1814? Why did people flee? Why did Dolly Madison take the portrait of George Washington? Why was the British invasion of Washington, D.C. “the darkest hour” of James Madison’s presidency?
B. English Invasion War with France ended, so England devoted more resources to its war with the U.S. Invaded Washington, D.C. and easily defeated American troops – burned all of Washington. Next stop: Baltimore Baltimore was better prepared for battle British tried to bomb Fort McHenry but were unsuccessful, lost many of their soldiers.
C. Star-Spangled Banner Written by Francis Scott Key after the battle in Baltimore Held captive on British ship, but saw our flag still waving over Fort McHenry in the morning Knew we had won the battle and held off the British
Star-Spangled Banner Analysis Read through the first stanza of the Star- Spangled Banner. 1) In your notes, write out an explanation of each sentence (every two lines) in your own words. 2) Write a two sentence summary of how the Star- Spangled Banner connects to historical events.
D. War Unpopularity Hartford Convention New England (Federalist) states were against the war Discussed seceding from the U.S. and getting more power in the government. Importance: people disliked the war so much they wanted to leave the country.
E. Treaty of Ghent Ended the War of 1812. No side gained or lost anything from the treaty.
F. Battle of New Orleans Andrew Jackson – General for the U.S. Army. Neither side knew about the Treaty of Ghent yet – lack of communication. Great defense of the city of New Orleans, major British defeat.
F. Battle of New Orleans Importance beyond the battle outcome: Made Jackson an American hero – later became President. Sign that the U.S. could defend itself. Created great nationalism/American pride that continued for years. What is nationalism? Effectively ended the Federalist Party. Why?
Independent Practice Write your own recap of the War of 1812. It should include facts from your notes, but it should also include what your thought about some of these battles and our decision to go to war. Be as creative as you want: this can be a paragraph, poem/rap or a picture.
Exit Ticket 1) Which of the following statements might have been heard from a “War Hawk” prior to the War of 1812? a. “We must go to war! Great Britain has violated our right to open trade on the seas by impressing our sailors into their own service. Even more, they encourage the Indians on the frontier to oppose and resist our westward expansion.” b. “We must not rush to war. Great Britain has a powerful navy and we are in no position to resist her. c. “It is my contention that this convention here in Hartford send ambassadors to Washington to express our disappointment with the government’s waging of this war. d. “It is not our desire to possess new lands or take any territory from Great Britain. We merely want to show our enemy that we will not be intimidated on the high seas.
Exit Ticket 2) What would have most likely happened if the news of the Treaty of Ghent had reached the United States immediately? a. The Battle of New Orleans would have not happened. b. Andrew Jackson never would have become president. c. The impressment of seamen would have continued for years. d. The United States and Great Britain would have continued fighting.
Exit Ticket 3) How did the United States’ involvement in the War of 1812 impact the United States for years after the battle? Your answer should include two ways.