The Second War for American Independence WAR OF 1812

 "Why did America go to War in 1812?"… 1.“Freedom of the seas” —The U.S. wanted the right to sail and trade without fear. 2.The possibility of land —The U.S. might gain Canada or Florida. 3.To resolve Indian issues —Americans were still upset about British guns being giving to Indians (Battle of Fallen Timbers) and Indian attacks on the frontier. 4.We wanted to make a major statement. – America would have to be considered as an equal amongst other nations, rather than a scrawny upstart. This is why the War of 1812 is often called the "Second War for American Independence." MR. MADISON’S WAR

 The Bad  Canada- “Naïve ambition”  Attack on three different fronts.  Detroit, Niagara, Lake Champlain  Americans attacked… American’s Lost  Hindsight:  Should have just focused on Montreal  Better military leaders THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE UGLY

 The Ugly  Chesapeake Bay Area:  Bladensburg  6,000 + British Troops  Largest land invasion on US soil = Easy Win.  March on Washington  Capitol burned to the ground (including White House & Capital Building)  Dolly Madison saves valuables including portrait of George Washington.  British only occupy for one day.  Madison seen as a wimp. THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE UGLY

 The Good  Battle of the Thames  William Henry Harrison kills Tecumseh  Lake Champlain/Hudson River  Cpt. Thomas MacDonough  Halted British plan to take New York and separate New England.  Baltimore & Fort McHenry  Frances Scott Key & Star Spangled Banner THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE UGLY

O SAY CAN YOU SEE…

 Americans and Brits meet in Ghent, Belgium.  At first, British were prideful and had high demands.  Indian Buffer Zone to ensure little to no western expansion.  After MacDonough and Ft. McHenry Victories… humility sets in.  Treaty signed on Christmas Eve 1814  Treaty stated that both sides would lay down arms and no land or property given or taken.  The Issue of Impressment was not even mentioned. TREATY OF GHENT

 The Effect of War on New England  New Englanders “hotly” against the war… Why?  The Blue Light Special  Hartford Convention  Goal was to decide what to do about the war.  Some wanted secession.  Officially called for Monetary help from Washington  Required 2/3 vote for an embargo, a new State, and or War.  The Federalist become “Just a bunch of crybabies…” WHAT ABOUT THE FEDERALIST?

 Andrew Jackson  Fought the Indians in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend and won  Mosaic Army – combination of 7,000 Sailors, soldiers, pirates, Frenchmen, militiamen, and black troops… unheard of.  Battle of New Orleans  British have 8,000 over confident soldiers against Jackson’s 7,000 misfits.  Jackson wins in January 1815– Battle seen as the deciding factor of the war.  But wait… didn’t we already sign the Peace Treaty? INTO THE SOUTH

 Canada (a British Colony) felt let down by England.  1817 US and England signed agreement that:  Limited naval power of both sides on the great lakes.  Established the worlds longest unfortified border (5,527 miles) between the US and Canada. RUSH – BAGOT AGREEMENT

 At the end of the day:  The War of 1812 was about America gaining respect in the international theater.  The Federalist were all but done.  New “War Heroes” – Jackson & Harrison (future Presidents) Nationalism & Patriotism  New surge of Nationalism & Patriotism  National Unity was at it’s highest point.  Time to look West… R.E.S.P.E.C.T.