Why was the Louisiana Purchase so important?

Objectives: 1) Explain the events that led to the War of 1812 … the Start

The War of 1812 Because of the battle between Britain and France (Napoleon), American ships were being seized. Neither country wanted the other to be receiving goods while at war. Overall, about 1500 American ships were taken by either the British or the French. Causes of the War of 1812 Embargo Act of 1807 (President Jefferson began an embargo of Britain) British policy of impressment War Hawks called for war in Congress Representative John Calhoun (S.C.) Representative Henry Clay (Kentucky) After the Battle of Tippecanoe (1811), the US found out the British were aiding the Natives

Impressment While the British and the French were seizing our ships and cargo, the British went one step farther… Impressment = the practice of seizing Americans at sea and drafting them into the British Navy In June of 1807, the commander of a British war ship demanded to board an American shipped named Chesapeake. When the U.S. captain refused, the British opened fire killing 3 and wounding 18 American sailors.

Embargo Act of 1807 Jefferson convinced Congress to declare an embargo on all the countries that violated American neutrality. Embargo = a ban on exporting products to other countries The embargo actually hurt the U.S. more than Britain, and was eventually lifted in 1809 with everyone but Britain and France.

Tippecanoe (1811) In 1809, William Henry Harrison (governor of the Indiana Territory) invited several Native American Chiefs in to negotiate the transfer of 3 million acres from the Natives to the Americans. Tecumseh was one of these chiefs. He was a brilliant strategist, and started to negotiate with the British (in Canada) to help them in their dispute with the Americans (he knew war was inevitable). In November of 1811, Tecumseh’s brother lead an attack on Harrison and his troops. Harrison responded and eventually won, but suffered heavy loses. He became a national hero for his win.

The War Hawks When it was discovered that the Natives were using weapons from the British (Canada), many called for war against Britain… with a new motto: Act of Valor poem by Tecumseh So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.