1. Madison and War of 1812

2. Causes for the War of 1812
The United States wants to prove to Britain that the victory of the American Revolution was not luck.
Americans demand respect from the world.

3. What are some major events leading to The War of 1812?
Interference with US Shipping (harassed, and cargo was seized.)
Britain required licenses for ships bound for Europe
France confiscated cargo from licensed ships
Impressment (Kidnapping) of American sailors
Many British sailors became naturalized US citizens and deserted British vessels and joined American crews.
British Navy kidnapped these sailors off American ships and had them rejoin the British Navy

4. What are some major events leading to The War of 1812?
Economic Diplomacy Fails
Embargo Act of 1807 halted all trade with Europe
Embargo is a government ban on trade with other countries
Embargo was unpopular in port cities, especially in the North

5. Causes for the War of 1812
The British army is supporting Native American resistance to Anglo expansion on their land.

6. Tecumseh and Indian Nationalism
Tecumseh, a Shawnee chief attempts to unify Indian tribes that have been removed from the Ohio River Valley
His brother, the Prophet preached that Indians should reject White ways and embrace their heritage
The brothers have a large following but their hopes are destroyed at the battle of fallen Timbers

7. The Presidency of James Madison
Elected in 1808
President during war…he declared war on England
Virginian lawyer and student of history
Wrote a large part of the U.S. Constitution
Stood barely 5’4” and 120 pounds but, an intellectual ahead of his time

8. What was Madison’s role leading up to The War of 1812?
Non-Intercourse Act
Forbade trade with France and Britain; however President could reopen trade when either France or Britain lifted restrictions
Was this successful? Why or Why not
War Hawks
Southern congressmen favored war, even though it hurt the east
Why did the War Hawks want war?

9. What were some of the benefits of going to war with Britain?
To allow reopening of trade
National Pride
To stop the impressment of sailors
CANADA!!!

10. What were some drawbacks to going to war?
Not everyone in the US wanted to go to war
Military was small
Standing Army was small
Militia comprised most of our forces, and they did not like to fight outside of their state borders
Navy was quite small only 22 ships
Britain was a great Superpower and could crush us like a bug and we could lose territory that was gained in the Treaty of Paris or the Louisiana Purchase

11. Declaration of War
June of 1812 Madison asked Congress for declaration of war
Vote was split along regional lines
War started with Invasion of Canada

12. USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”)
defeated the British warship, Guerriere, in first major naval encounter of war in 1812

13. Key Battles US Burns York (now Toronto)
US figured the Canadians would welcome the Americans and quickly join the US to expel Britain from North America…this did not happen
Perry Defeated the British on Lake Erie 1813
Most important naval battle, American victory
This gave the US control of Lake Erie
Britain Blockades the Eastern Seaboard
This prevented shipping from leaving, and made the war more unpopular in the Northeast

15. The Battle of Thames October 5, 1813
American forces crossed into Canada across Lake Erie (after the American victory on the lake) forcing British to withdraw
Americans defeat the British and Indians
Tecumseh, the Shawnee chief, was killed
Tecumseh’s death ends Indian resistance in the Ohio River Valley

16. The Death of Tecumseh

17. The Roof is on Fire…
In August 1814, British Forces Sailed into Chesapeake Bay and capture Washington D.C.
They burn the White House and the Capitol
Madison and Congress Barely escape
Dolly Madison saves many historical objects

18. Oh Say Can You See… Unlike D.C., Baltimore was Ready for the British
The City militia inflicted heavy casualties on the British
After bombarding Fort McHenry on September 13, 1814 The British abandon the attack
Francis Scott Key witnessed the bombardment and penned a poem which becomes the National Anthem. “The Star Spangled Banner”

19. “The Star Spangled Banner”
Francis Scott Key, a prisoner on a British barge witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, near Baltimore for 12 hours
In the morning he observed that the American flag still flew over the fort and writes a poem called “The Defence of Ft McHenry” it eventually becomes a song “The Star Spangled Banner”
Americans rally to the war effort after the capital is burnt down

20. “The Star Spangled Banner”

21. Treaty of Ghent, Belgium
Treaty was Negotiated in Europe and was signed on Dec. 24, 1814 ending the war of 1812
Ended war (truce)
Conquered territory and prisoners returned on both sides
The issue of impressment was not addressed, but faded on its own.

22. Battle of New Orleans
Fought after the treaty was signed (but not ratified)
Why was New Orleans important?
Pirates and Frontiersman fought alongside US troops
American victory (Casualties: 71 American and 2,000 British)
Made Andrew Jackson a National hero and household name
Ensured treaty ratification

23. The Battle of New Orleans
The American forces are a multicultural motely band of experienced soldiers and warriors
The British, a trained army are virtually mauled by American forces hiding behind earthworks and cannons

24. The Battle of New Orleans
American forces at New Orleans are led by General Andrew Jackson whose army inflicts great casualties on the British army
Andrew Jackson will be associated with winning the war. People assume that this victory is responsible for ending the war.

25. A map of the Battle of New Orleans

26. The Battle of New Orleans

27. If The War of 1812 ended in a tie, why was it important?
Gave the United States a National Identity
We were able to hold our own against the British
Started us thinking about continuing westward expansion
Ended bad feelings toward the British
Creates a hero in Andrew Jackson and the Western Frontiersmen

28. The Impact of the War of 1812
Increased Patriotism/Nationalism: A sense of nationalism sweeps America. Nationalism is a belief and sense of pride in one’s country based on it’s achievements.
US Manufacturing/Industry Grows: The nation will embark on foreign trade and begin to build a transportation system in the United States.
Weakened Native American Resistance: Native American resistance will be removed from the Ohio River Valley permanently opening the Midwest for expansion.
War of 1812