War of 1812 Called “Second War for Independence”

Causes of the War of Freedom of the Seas – France and England trying to control American trade 2. Impressment of Sailors – Merchant ships stopped by British to look for deserters – Chesapeake incident – British opened fire on ship, forced 4 Americans into British navy – Jefferson issued the Embargo Act of 1807, which prohibited exports to ALL countries – was an economic disaster

Causes of the War of Land Hungry War Hawks – wanted more land for America expansion, hoped to gain Canada – Henry Clay - Kentucky – John C. Calhoun - S. Carolina John C. Calhoun

Causes of the War of Trouble on the Frontier Tecumseh and brother, Tenskwatawa “the Prophet” wanted Indian alliance against settlers, taught natives to resist white culture – Battle of Tippecanoe - Gen. William Henry Harrison defeated Indians (Old Tippecanoe) – Congress blames British for Indian uprising, supplying them with weapons Tecumseh

Causes of the War of 1812 Battle of Tippecanoe

Causes of the War of National Honor – restricting freedom of seas and impressment challenged American Honor – fighting for respect

War of 1812 President Madison Asked for Declaration of War – pushed by House Speaker Henry Clay – in his address to Congress requesting war impressment interference with neutral commerce British alliances with natives Pres.. Madison

War of 1812 America is not ready for war – Army of only 12,000, turned to state militia – Not enough officers – U.S navy small compared to Royal Navy Divided nation war support came from west and south New England States had economic ties with British

War of 1812 Important Battles

War of 1812 US attempts to invade Canada (this fails) Lose control of Northwest Territory

War of 1812 Naval Victories bolster morale U.S.S. Constitution “Old Ironsides” defeats British ship Guerriere U.S.S. Constitution

War of 1812 Washington D.C. is burned – British marched in unopposed – retaliation for the burning of York, Canada – Dolley Madison saves picture of Washington and important documents (let’s read about Dolley!!)

War of 1812 Siege of Baltimore – Americans defend the city and Fort McHenry – Francis Scott Key writes “The Star Spangled Banner” (1931)

War of 1812 The Treaty of Ghent – Restores Pre-War Situation 1. boundaries between Canada and US are set 2. demilitarizes the Great Lakes 3. Oregon Territory placed under joint rule for the next 10 years America has “proven” itself as a nation, even though no land changed hands.

The Battle of New Orleans unaware that peace was made British attack Gen. Andrew Jackson is heavily outnumbered but wins – becomes a hero