1. The War of 1812
CAUSES

2. Conflict in Europe
Britain and France began another conflict – Napoleonic Wars
1806 – France excluded British goods from Europe
Great Britain decided to retaliate by blockading Europe’s coasts

3. Aggression Extends towards US
By 1807 Britain had seized more than 1,000 American ships, confiscated their cargoes
France had seized about ½ that number of US ships
SO WHO DO WE VIEW AS THE BIGGER THREAT?

4. Impressment Most of American anger focused on British
British would seize US citizens from ships and force them into the British “Navy” known as impressment.

5. Chesapeake Incident
June 1807 – commander of a British Warship demanded the right to board and search the US naval frigate for British deserters
When US captain refused, British opened fire
Killed 3, wounded 18 Americans

6. Jefferson’s Reaction Convinced Congress to pass Embargo of 1807
hurt Britain and other European powers to convince them to honor American neutrality
Hurt US economy, so Congress lifted embargo in 1809.

7. Madison’s Non-Intercourse Act
Re-opened trade with all nations, except GB and France
1810, expired Non-Intercourse and passed Macon’s Bill No. 2 – reopened trade, but President had power to prohibit commerce if continued to be belligerent
Napoleon stopped, so only put Embargo on Britain

8. Conflict with Natives over Westward Expansion
Shawnee chief Tecumseh began organizing fights against expanding white settlers
In 1811, Tecumseh’s brother was defeated at the Battle of Tippecanoe by Governor of Illinois, William Henry Harrison
Found out Native Americans were fighting with arms from British Canada
War Hawks called for declaration of War

9. War Hawks Southern and Western young congressman who pushed for war
What could they gain?
MORE LAND
John C. Calhoun
of South Carolina
Henry Clay of Kentucky

10. James Madison Declares War
Elected in 1808, Republican from VA
By 1812, decided to go to war
Felt Britain was trying to strangle American trade and cripple US economy
Congress approved war early June 1812