1. The Second War for Independence
The War of 1812 ( )

2. War of 1812: Causes Napoleonic Wars
When the Napoleonic Wars began in Europe in1803, they became a threat to American shipping
By 1805, Britain & France each blocked the other’s trade & both began seizing American ships

3. War of 1812: Causes Impressment of Sailors
Pay and working conditions were poor for British sailors
Many deserted & joined American ships
Royal Navy forced British sailors to return
About 6000 Americans were pressed into service between

4. War of 1812: Causes The Chesapeake Affair
USS Chesapeake (warship) refused to be boarded
HMS Leopard fired its cannons, killing 3 Americans & wounding others
Many in the US called for war

5. War of 1812: Causes The Embargo Act (1807) Prohibited ALL US exports
Goal: European alliance on American goods would force recognition of neutral rights
Result: Complete failure – unemployment rose & the policy was very unpopular in the United States

6. War of 1812: Causes Madison’s Response
Supported loosening the embargo, but US ships were again seized by the French & British
Since the British controlled the seas, Americans turned their anger toward the British

7. War of 1812: Causes Conflict in the Northwest Territory
Indian leaders objected to treaties negotiated with Indians who had no authority to speak with American officials
American settlers often violated the terms of treaties
The British used these tensions to their advantage

8. War of 1812: Causes Tecumseh A respected & charismatic warrior
Worked with his brother, known as the Prophet
Goal: To create confederation of ALL Indian people to resist American expansion

9. War of 1812: Causes Battle of Tippecanoe (1811)
Indiana governor William Henry Harrison grew concerned about Tecumseh & Indian resistance
The Prophet called for an attack on Harrison’s forces – Indians were defeated & the town was burned
Results:
Harrison became an American hero
Tecumseh allied with the British

10. War of 1812: Causes Election of War Hawks
Name given to vocal supporters of war with Great Britain
Strongest support in the South & West
Led by Henry Clay & John C. Calhoun

11. Declaration of War
Opposition to war was strongest in New England & New York
In June 1812, Congress issued a declaration of war – the first in US history
Critics labeled it “Mr. Madison’s War”

12. War of 1812

13. Treaty of Ghent
Negotiators from the US & Britain agreed to end hostilities
The terms of the treaty restored relations to their pre-war status
Issues such as the impressment of sailors & shipping rights were not addressed
News of the agreement took nearly 2 months to reach the US

14. Battle of New Orleans
Andrew Jackson led American forces to victory against 8000 British troops
Most decisive victory of the war
The British suffered 2000 casualties in the period of ½ hour
The Americans only lost 70 men in the same period of time

15. War of 1812: Results Hartford Convention (1814-15)
Series of meetings during which New England Federalists discussed their problems with the war & the national government
Proposed a series of amendments to the US Constitution
Discussed the possibility of secession
Led to public disgrace & the end of the Federalist Party

16. War of 1812: Results Star Spangled Banner
Victories at Baltimore & New Orleans convinced the country that it could fend off any foreign threats
Led to the increased national patriotism & the creation of the national anthem
Written by Francis Scott Key as he watched the Battle at Fort McHenry in 1814

17. War of 1812: Results American Manufacturing
Halt on trade led to a cotton cloth shortage in the US prompting the creation of the Lowell Mills in Massachusetts

18. War of 1812: Results Native Americans
Were largely defeated, allowing Americans to move into territory previously controlled by Native Americans & their allies
Resistance does continue – Seminole Wars ( ), etc.