The War of 1812 THE CAUSES

Setting the Stage… The Early 1800s France and Britain began ANOTHER war Napoleon (France) controlled most of Europe and did not allow British goods to be sold in Europe The British realized that in order to beat Napoleon, they had to cut off his trade too British navy (#1 in the world!) blockaded European ports No trade for you!

The U.S. Chooses Neutrality The U.S. did not want to get involved in the war between the French and the British so it decided to stay neutral They traded with both countries and relied on imports from both as well Eventually, trading with both countries put the U.S. in the middle of the conflict and led to a war between Great Britain and the U.S.

We are Americans! You can’t force us to fight for Britain Causes of the War of 1812 British policy of impressment This means: the British seized American ships and forced American sailors to fight in the British navy We are Americans! You can’t force us to fight for Britain

Causes of the War of 1812 The Chesapeake Incident A British warship stopped American naval ship, the Chesapeake, and demanded to search the ship The Americans refused and the British opened fire, killing 3 Americans and injuring 18

Causes of the War of 1812 After a major battle with Native Americans in western U.S. lands, it was discovered that the Natives had been using British weapons The Americans suspected the British were helping Natives attack American citizens by providing them with guns

The American Response: The Embargo Act of 1807 Law passed to keep American merchants safe and to force Britain and France to honor American neutrality Banned Americans from trading with other countries Ended up hurting American merchants and businesses more It was lifted in 1809 except for trade with Britain and France

James Madison Wins the Presidency in 1809 In June of 1812, he asked Congress to declare war on Great Britain

Democratic-Republicans Two Sides Emerge Democratic-Republicans “The War Hawks” Federalists Wanted to go to war with Great Britain Wanted to add more land to the U.S. “On to Canada!” Mainly from southern states Made $ from agriculture Farming requires land Did not want to go to war with Great Britain Wanted to find peaceful solutions to issues with Britain Mainly from Northern states Made $ through trade War disrupts trade

“The Second War for Independence” The War of 1812 “The Second War for Independence”

The Three Fronts of the War Canada and the Great Lakes The Atlantic Ocean The South

Canada and the Great Lakes The U.S. was unprepared for war Native Americans fought on both sides American and British navies fought on the Great Lakes Result of the fighting here: U.S. failed to take parts of Canada U.S. was able to prevent the British from taking control of parts of the U.S.

The Atlantic Ocean The British Navy was much larger and stronger than the American Navy British blockaded the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. This prevented the U.S. from trading with other countries and forced the U.S. to start manufacturing

The War of 1812: The British Burned the White House British raided towns along east coast Entered D.C. and burned the Capitol & White House in retaliation for the Americans burning the British capitol in Canada http://www.history.com/topics/war-of-1812/videos/dolley-madison-saves-washingtons-portrait?m=528e394da93ae&s=undefined&f=2&free=false

The War of 1812: The Battle of New Orleans http://www.history.com/topics/war-of-1812/videos/andrew-jackson-hero-of-new-orleans?m=528e394da93ae&s=undefined&f=2&free=false Andrew Jackson General from Tennessee Destroyed Native American power in the South Greatest victory War was already over but he gained national fame by defeating the British

Outcomes of the War of 1812 Andrew Jackson gained national recognition Fostered national pride National Anthem created Established U.S. credibility with other nations End of the Federalist Party