1. The War of 1812
THE CAUSES

2. Setting the Stage… The Early 1800s
France and Britain began ANOTHER war
Napoleon (France) controlled most of Europe and did not allow British goods to be sold in Europe
The British realized that in order to beat Napoleon, they had to cut off his trade too
British navy (#1 in the world!) blockaded European ports
No trade for you!

3. The U.S. Chooses Neutrality
The U.S. did not want to get involved in the war between the French and the British so it decided to stay neutral
They traded with both countries and relied on imports from both as well
Eventually, trading with both countries put the U.S. in the middle of the conflict and led to a war between Great Britain and the U.S.

4. We are Americans! You can’t force us to fight for Britain
Causes of the War of 1812
British policy of impressment
This means: the British seized American ships and forced American sailors to fight in the British navy
We are Americans! You can’t force us to fight for Britain

5. Causes of the War of 1812 The Chesapeake Incident
A British warship stopped American naval ship, the Chesapeake, and demanded to search the ship
The Americans refused and the British opened fire, killing 3 Americans and injuring 18

6. Causes of the War of 1812
After a major battle with Native Americans in western U.S. lands, it was discovered that the Natives had been using British weapons
The Americans suspected the British were helping Natives attack American citizens by providing them with guns

8. The American Response: The Embargo Act of 1807
Law passed to keep American merchants safe and to force Britain and France to honor American neutrality
Banned Americans from trading with other countries
Ended up hurting American merchants and businesses more
It was lifted in 1809 except for trade with Britain and France

9. James Madison Wins the Presidency in 1809
In June of 1812, he asked Congress to declare war on Great Britain

10. Democratic-Republicans
Two Sides Emerge
Democratic-Republicans
“The War Hawks”
Federalists
Wanted to go to war with Great Britain
Wanted to add more land to the U.S.
“On to Canada!”
Mainly from southern states
Made $ from agriculture
Farming requires land
Did not want to go to war with Great Britain
Wanted to find peaceful solutions to issues with Britain
Mainly from Northern states
Made $ through trade
War disrupts trade

11. “The Second War for Independence”
The War of 1812
“The Second War for Independence”

12. The Three Fronts of the War
Canada and the Great Lakes
The Atlantic Ocean
The South

13. Canada and the Great Lakes
The U.S. was unprepared for war
Native Americans fought on both sides
American and British navies fought on the Great Lakes
Result of the fighting here:
U.S. failed to take parts of Canada
U.S. was able to prevent the British from taking control of parts of the U.S.

14. The Atlantic Ocean
The British Navy was much larger and stronger than the American Navy
British blockaded the
Atlantic Coast of the U.S.
This prevented the U.S.
from trading with other
countries and forced the
U.S. to start manufacturing

15. The War of 1812: The British Burned the White House
British raided towns along east coast
Entered D.C. and burned the Capitol & White House in retaliation for the Americans burning the British capitol in Canada

16. The War of 1812: The Battle of New Orleans
Andrew Jackson
General from Tennessee
Destroyed Native American power in the South
Greatest victory
War was already over but he gained national fame by defeating the British

17. Outcomes of the War of 1812 Andrew Jackson gained national recognition
Fostered national pride
National Anthem created
Established U.S. credibility with other nations
End of the Federalist Party