The War of 1812 America’s Second War with Great Britain

Events in Europe Impact the United States Fighting between Britain and France threatened American shipping.

Grievances Against Britain: Impressment France and Britain blockaded foreign goods from reaching each other. Britain was much more aggressive by impressing American Sailors. Impressment – Seizing Americans at sea and drafting them into the British navy.

Grievances Against Britain: Alliances with Native Americans American settlers were pushing westward, trying to gain more land. British Canada was supplying Native Americans with weapons that they were using in battles with American settlers. The War Hawks, a group of congressmen from the south and west, called for war. Great Britain continued to occupy forts along the frontier.

The War of 1812 American Victories were few and far between. The Americans welcomed the peace Treaty of Ghent. General Andrew Jackson of Tennessee went on to protect New Orleans without knowledge of the treaty. Jackson defeated the British at New Orleans, which made him a folk hero. The war confirmed American Independence and nationalism.

The Monroe Doctrine In 1823, President James Monroe stated no European powers should intervene in the Western Hemisphere. If they did, the United States would consider it a, “dangerous to our peace and safety”. This is still observed today.