The War of 1812

Do Now: Take about 7 minutes to individually complete the War of 1812 flow chart based on last nights homework.

War of 1812 Native Americans increased attacks against settlers moving onto their lands. Most Americans believed that the Indians were being encouraged and armed by the British.

Other American Complaints Against the British British interfered with US – Shipping or Trade. British impressed American sailors. This means: – The act of forcing people into military service President James Madison asked Congress to Declare war.

Why was this a bad idea? No foreign country offered to assist the United States.

And to make matters worse… The United States would have to fight both the… – British and – Native Americans

Land Battles Early land battles were mixed: Battle of Thames: General William Henry Harrison defeated the British and Native Americans, including Tecumseh. (Native American Chief that led the Shawnee Confederacy) Battle of Horseshoe Bend – General Andrew Jackson defeated the Native Americans.

Naval Battles The Constitution – victory for the United States that raised morale. The Chesapeake – off the coast of Virginia “Don’t give up the ship” becomes the battle cry of the war.

Washington, DC Burned down!

Results of the War of 1812 The war was also called: Mr. Madison’s war. Effect on the National Treasury: it was empty Effect on trade: it was at a standstill Treaty of Ghent officially ended the war

So who won the War of 1812? Let’s take a quick vote!

But wait… One more battle! The Battle of New Orleans: – Why did this happen AFTER the Treaty of Ghent? – Again, General Andrew Jackson Only lasted about an hour ‘Ends’ the war on a positive, happy note – Andrew Jackson becomes a national hero… and ……

Aboard the British flag- ship was an American prisoner of war, Dr. Beanes. A lawyer friend of his, Francis Scott Key, rowed out to the British ships. He asked the British to let Dr. Beanes go. The commander agreed, but said they must remain aboard until morning.

Francis Scott Key did not sleep that night as the British guns pounded Ft. McHenry. From the deck of the warship he could see the flash of guns firing away. Could the Americans hold out? During the night, Francis Scott Key asked himself that question many times.

The night gave way to dawn. Key peered through the haze and smoke. When the air cleared, he saw the stars and stripes were still there. The British had failed to capture Ft. McHenry.

Key wrote down his experience in a poem. It was later set to music. The Star Spangled Banner