The War of 1812

The Lead Up US merchants looking for additional trade trigger a war in the Mediterranean sea in the early 1800s. Refused to pay bribes to pirates, so the US marines and navy defend the merchants and force the cities to open up trade In 1803, Britain and France were at war with each other US traded with both Both England and France ignored the neutrality of the US Captured US merchant ships Britain stepped up impressment of US sailors Impressment—capture of sailors to force them into the British navy

Native Americans Native Americans were angry about losing their land A Shawnee leader named Tecumseh started a war for their way of life In 1811 William Henry Harrison marched troops to Tecumseh’s settlement Both sides suffered heavy losses, but Harrison’s troops won the Battle of Tippecanoe The British had been supplying guns and ammunition to the Native Americans British wanted to keep the fur trade

Madison and War Hawks James Madison (elected 1808) offered a treaty to either Britain or France US would stop trade with the opposing country in exchange for the end of seizing US ships. Napoleon (France) agreed to the treaty Except in New England, anti-British feelings were strong Members of Congress from the South and West called for war against England These Congressmen, led by Henry Clay were called War Hawks

WAR!!!!!!!! June of 1812, Madison asks Congress to declare war Pressured by the War Hawks Said Britain was treating the US as a colony Nationalism swelled in the US A feeling of pride in one’s country, often ignoring negatives Britain was shocked by the declaration Could not spare troops from the fight with Napoleon US also was unprepared The army and navy were both very small

Still war! Britain blockaded US ports Prevented ships from getting in or out Pushed US troops out of Canada after being invaded US won some upset naval victories USS Constitution won a number of battles, earning the nickname “Old Ironsides” for its strength US took control of Lake Erie thanks to Captain Perry Native Americans continued to fight against the US In the north, Tecumseh killed in battle, coalition of Native Americans falls apart. In the south, Cherokee fight against Andrew Jackson, but ultimately lose to his troops.

The End of the War By 1814, Britain defeats France in Europe Send more troops to the US Capture and burn Washington, DC British troops then attack Baltimore Bombard Fort McHenry, but it does not surrender Inspired the “Star Spangled Banner”, now our anthem The War of 1812 is ended by the Treaty of Ghent Before news of the treaty arrives, troops battle at New Orleans Although outnumbered, Jackson leads a diverse army to a convincing victory Only lose 7 men, giving Jackson nationwide fame for his leadership Ultimately, no lasting peace is reached from the war. Established the US as a world power—we mean business