Madison Monroe and the War of 1812 November 2011

Election of 1808 Democratic-Republican, James Madison is elected president. By spring of 1812, Madison violates policy of neutrality and goes to war with Britain. Believed they were trying to strangle American trade and destroy economy.

War of 1812 “Mr. Madison’s war” U.S. unprepared (1812) British government ordered a blockade of Chesapeake and Delaware Bay area (1813) Blockade was extended along the entire east coast

British Burn White House (1814) British raid Washington, D.C. Burned White House and other public buildings

Battle of New Orleans General Andrew Jackson gains national fame Jackson defeats Native Americans and destroys their power in the south. January 8, 1815 – Jackson defeats British at the Battle of New Orleans. Hundreds of British killed; only a handful of Americans

Treaty of Ghent Jackson unaware, but U.S. and Britain already signed Treaty of Ghent, an armistice to stop fighting

Long-term Effects of the War Reinforced importance of neutrality in the U.S. Native Americans lost British allies and grew weaker American manufacturing grew Growing sense of nationalism; weakened Federalist party War heroes emerge – Jackson and William Henry Harrison Francis Scott Key writes “Star, Spangled Banner” War of 1812

Foreign Policy After the War (1816) James Monroe becomes 5th president, defeating William Crawford Resume: 60 years old, Revolutionary war veteran, U.S. Senator, 2x governor of VA, Sec. of war and state Foreign policy  Diplomacy Served 2 terms

Monroe Doctrine (1823) Foundation of U.S. Foreign Policy Monroe Doctrine states: End to European colonization No intervention by Europe in existing nations European influence is “dangerous to our peace and safety” Non-interference by U.S. in European affairs Back to neutrality

(1823) U.S. lacked military strengths to enforce document G.B. agreed to support U.S.