The Path to War  Jefferson wanted the US to have friendly relations with all nations but have “entangling alliances with none.”  Hard to do with US engaged in foreign trade all over the world.

 1803: War between England and France.  England captured trading ships bound for France. France stopped all ships to England. (US ships included).  British Navy was very weak at the time (not many sailors).  England started Impressing, or kidnapping American sailors to work on British ships (6,000 total).  Jefferson asked congress to stop all foreign trade under the Embargo Act of 1807.

The War of 1812  1812: More Americans were calling for war against England for helping Natives and its policy on the sea.  Americans who supported war were called War Hawks.  President James Madison asked congress to declare war. War of 1812 Battle Map

Tecumseh  Tecumseh, a Shawnee chief vowed to stop Natives losing their land to white settlers.  Governor of Indiana Territory William Henry Harrison signed a treaty to get land from 3 Native tribes.  Tecumseh wanted all native tribes to unite.  The natives were defeated and many killed, including Tecumseh, at the battle of Tippecanoe in 1813, led by Harrison. Tecumseh’s Curse

Phases of the War  Phase 1 of war: Britain focused on their war with France.  Blockaded American coast.  America’s navy rose to many challenges and won many battles.  Phase 2 of war: Napoleon defeated.  1814: British burn Washington DC (the White House and Capitol building). Dolley Madison saves Portrait of Washington

Battle of Fort McHenry  After burning Washington DC, the British moved north to Maryland to attack Ft. McHenry.  The commander of the fort requested a US flag so large the British would be able to see it.  A lawyer named Francis Scott Key was detained on a prison ship and witnessed the battle.  He wrong a song called the Star Spangled Banner on the ship (national anthem). Battle of Fort McHenry

Battle of New Orleans  The British wanted to capture the important port of New Orleans in Louisiana.  Neither side knew that the war was over; the Treaty of Ghent had been signed.  Americans were led by General Andrew Jackson (AKA Old Hickory).  Jan 1815: Battle of New Orleans was a victory for Americans. The Battle of New Orleans Song

Legacy of the War  No clear winner of the war.  Heroic exploits of Jackson increased patriotism.  Native American resistance was weakened.  War interrupted trade; Americans had to learn to make many goods (encouraged growth of American manufacturing).  More Americans had faith in the nations future.