6.4

Identify the events that led to the War Hawks’s call for war. Analyze the major battles and conflicts of the War of Explain the significance of the War of 1812.

Gearing Up for War War Breaks Out War’s Aftermath and Effects

Read section 6.4 Record the causes of the War of 1812 in a Chart as shown on pg. 214 Three bullet points per heading.

The Democratic Republicans felt humiliated by the failure of the 1807 embargo against Britain. In 1809 Congress replaced the embargo with the Nonintercourse Act. The Act stated that the United States would resume trade with whichever of those countries lifted their restrictions on American shipping.

The following year Congress took things a step further. They created Macon’s Bill No. 2 This restored trade with both Britain and France but also promised that if either country actively recognized American neutrality then the United States would resume trading sanctions against the other country. France decided to continue trade so the United States sanctioned the British.

Causes of the War- British interfere with American shipping British interfere with American expansion into the western frontier Southerners want Florida, which is owned by Britain’s ally Spain War Hawks want to expel Britain completely from North America.

Congress Declares war on Britain again in June of The United States had a very small Army and Navy. Thomas Jefferson was James Madison’s advisor and said that he should conquer British Canada. This turned out very ineffective due to the militia’s lack of training.

The British with their Native American allies who were under Tecumseh a Shawnee warrior, continued to win battles against the states militia in Canada. This went on until the United States navy defeated the British navy on Lake Erie and capture four ships. This allowed the Continental Army to retake the lands that they had lost and gave the Americans momentum.

Also during this time Harrison’s Army killed Tecumseh and scattered his supporters. Then in 1814 Andrew Jackson crushed the Creek Indians of Alabama and invaded and defeated the Spanish Colony of Florida including the Seminole Indians and the Spanish fort at Pensacola.

During 1812 and 1813 the British forces were in Europe fighting Napoleon. In 1814 they defeated Napoleon, freeing up thousands of British Troops. The British sent four armies to the United States and infiltrated the ports and set up blockades. The British take the offence

Once the Americans saw the eminent danger of the full British force for a second time in such a short amount of time they began to fight. When the Americans were put on defense they fought better than they ever had before and ultimately defeated the British for a second time. However, the British did for a short time control our capital and burned the white house.

The Americans won their greatest victory at the Battle of New Orleans in January General Andrew Jackson destroyed the British Forces in New Orleans. United States lost 71 men compared to the 2,036 British soldiers. Unfortunately this was two weeks after the Treat of Ghent was signed in Belgium that ended the war.

It re-established the prewar boundaries of Canada and the United States. Also set up a commission to discuss any boundary disputes.

Revealed need for a strong standing army Encouraged American nationalism Brought end to the Federalist Party Shattered the Strength of Native American resistance Paved the way for American acquisition of Florida