American Nationalism Standard 6

Nationalism What is Nationalism? American Nationalism Belief or Pride in one’s Nation. Someone who is prideful or believes their nation is the greatest on earth is said to be a Nationalist. Believing in your country is called nationalistic. American Nationalism Following the election of Thomas Jefferson, Americans are looking for a sense of identity. Several events occur which lead to the development of an American identity, and the creation of American Nationalism

The War of 1812 (1812-1815) War between the U.S. and Britain, 1812-1815. Reasons for War Britain at war with France again Americans are upset with both sides, as each prey on American shipping to Europe; the British are worse than the French. There are two reasons the for this war which relate to two major themes in American History: Free Trade & Western Expansion

Reason #1 for the War of 1812 British Impressments of American sailors Impressment- Legal form of kidnapping British use to capture former British sailors, and force American sailors into British service Due to the war with France, Britain stops all American ships on the Atlantic & engages in impressments. The practice of Impressments outrages Americans.

Reason #2 for the War of 1812 The British in the Northwest Territory In violation of the Treaty of Paris 1783, the British never evacuated the forts in the Northwestern territories of Ohio, Indiana, & Michigan. British soldiers supply Indian tribes with firearms & encourages them to fight against American settlers. American settlers are outraged and call for the Federal government to do something.

The War of 1812 Declaration of War The Empire Strikes Back Due to these two reasons, many Americans call for war with Britain President James Madison gets a declaration of war on June 18, 1812. The U.S. has quick successes in naval battles against the British on the Great Lakes & against Native American tribes. The feeling of American Nationalism is high The Empire Strikes Back In 1813, Napoleon’s France is defeated. Britain now brings it’s full might against the U.S. To Defeat the U.S., Britain unleashes a 3 part strategy Raid American Costal Cities Invade New York Conquer New Orleans

The War of 1812 British Victories The Burning of Washington D.C. The British are successful in taking New York City Other coastal cities like Savannah, GA & Charleston, SC fall quickly. The Burning of Washington D.C. The British Army that landed in New York marches unopposed to the capital. In August of 1814, British forces burn the Whitehouse. President James Madison & his wife barely escape. Miraculously, one of the biggest thunderstorms in 50 years hits the area, along with a tornado, putting out the flames. The Whitehouse was not completely destroyed; many British were killed in the storm. Question: Could this event contribute to American Nationalism? If so, why? If not, why?

The War of 1812 The Battle of Fort McHenry The British attempt to take the coastal city of Baltimore, MD in September 1814. Baltimore was the 3rd largest city in the U.S. at the time. Fort McHenry, located on the coast of the city, endures a British bombardment from sea. Francis Scott Key, a lawyer, is on a small boat on his way to the British Navy to bargain for the release of American sailors Inspired by the moment, he writes the Star Spangled Banner. He wrote the song to the tune of a popular drinking song of the time. Question: How did this battle contribute to American Nationalism?

The War of 1812 Stalemate Treaty of Ghent Neither the British or Americans are winning the war. Treaty of Ghent Americans & British meet in the neutral city of Ghent, Belgium, to discuss a treaty. The treaty is successfully settled on December 24, 1814, the war was officially over.

The War of 1812 The Battle of New Orleans The British Navy set to conquer New Orleans in January 1815, had not heard the news that the war was over General Andrew Jackson, preparing for the British siege, also did not know the war was over. Under Jackson, the Americans defeated the British invasion; the British suffered 2,000 dead or wounded; only 17 Americans died. People in the U.S. received news of the victory in New Orleans, before news of the treaty in Ghent. Question: How does this battle contribute to American Nationalism?

The End of the War of 1812 The Outcome The British stop impressments. The British leave the Northwest territory. No territory changes hands between the two nations General Andrew Jackson becomes a national hero. January 8, the day of the Battle of New Orleans, becomes a national holiday until 1861. Jackson replaces Washington as the action hero of America. Question: List 3 examples that could contribute to American Nationalism from the War of 1812.

The Effect of the War of 1812 Creation of an American Identity The U.S. neither won, nor lost the War of 1812; no material thing was gained or lost. Demonstrates the U.S. is capable of defending itself & uniting against a common enemy. The war creates a great feeling of national pride in the young country. America did gain a national identity as a result of the War of 1812