Causes of the War of 1812 J.A.SACCO
The Napoleonic Wars-(1803-1815) U.S. caught between Br./Fr. –wanted to remain neutral. Key to victory was to stop the others trade. U.S. would be eventually caught in the Middle! France defeats Austria And Russia -Gives Napoleon control of Europe Battle of Trafalgar (1805) Lord Nelson defeats Fr/Sp fleet Gives England control of the seas.
U.S Caught in the Middle 1805- Br. -1st Orders in Council (Essex Pledge)- seize U.S. vessels trading with France 1806- U.S.- Non-Importation Agreement- forbid U.S. from importing British goods that could be bought elsewhere/or made in U.S. 1806- Br.- England begins to blockade European cost 1806- Fr.- France outlaws all trade with England 1807- Br.- Second Orders in Council- demand neutral shipping trading in Europe must first stop in England for inspection/ licensing in British port 1807- Fr.- Milan Decree- if neutral ship follows British decrees, ship would be seized by French navy Why is the U.S. in a dilemma?
U.S Reacts to Violations! Embargo Act (1807)
Embargo a Bust! Why did the Embargo Act not work? Believed Br/Fr need U.S. goods- force them to recognize U.S. neutrality. Why did the Embargo Act not work? Goods smuggled by discontented New England merchants American merchants already at sea disregarded the law and functioned as part of British merchant marine
The Election of 1808 James Madison wins election but Federalists gain seats in Congress and key state legislatures.
Madison Takes Control Madison continues neutral policy of Jefferson. Repeals Embargo Act in 1809.
Madison Takes Control Non-Intercourse Act (1809)- just as ineffective as Embargo Act Macon’s Bill #2 (1810)- tried to play one nation against the other.
War with Britain- A Second Time Impressment of U.S. sailors 6,000 Americans impressed between 1803-1812.
War with Britain- A Second Time “The Chesapeake Affair” (1807) Looking for British deserters HMS Leopard fires on Chesapeake. 3K/18W. Then boarded and got four deserters.
War with Britain- A Second Time Native-American resistance led by Tecumseh. U.S. felt Tecumseh and his confederation being aided by British to stir up trouble on the frontier. Tecumseh flees to Canada after Battle of Tippecanoe (1811). Victory by Gen. William Henry Harrison. Tecumseh- Shawnee chief
War with Britain- A Second Time Henry Clay-(KY) John C. Calhoun- (SC) War Hawks wanted U.S. expansion in Florida and Canada. End Indian resistance and monopolize fur trade. Control Florida would end Spanish influence, remove border disputes, and end refuge for runaway slave.