The War of 1812 Causes and Effects

The war of 1812 The War of 1812 was the major event of the early Republic. The outcome of this war helped to: establish America as a powerful Independent Nation, it helped to open up the West to American settlement and finally it boosted American industry and patriotism. We took a beating in this conflict, but were a stronger nation because of it. In this lesson we will explore the causes and effects of this conflict. As well as highlight some significant individuals of this conflict.

Prelude to the War The war between France and Great Britain heats up with consequences for American overseas shipping. France and Britain both interfered with America’s right to trade overseas. Britain seizes any ships destined for France, and impress the crew into the British Navy. The French seized ships destined for Britain. The Chesapeake Incident increased the tensions between the U.S and Britain. While searching deserters, the British attacked a US ship, the Chesapeake killing 3 Americans and wounding 18 other. Impressment – the kidnapping, and forced enlistment of American sailors into the British Navy.

The Role of Native Americans TECUMSEH Native American tribes began to unite under a new leader, Tecumseh. Tecumseh and his brother, Tenskwatawa, began to preach a new message which helped to unite the different Indian nations. They argued that the land belonged to all indigenous tribes and could not be sold without the consent of all nations. This made all previous land treaties void. Tecumseh’s vision was to unite all tribes against American western expansion.

The Battle of Tippecanoe In 1808 Tecumseh established the settlement of Prophetstown along the Tippecanoe river in the newly established territory of Indiana. The presence of the Shawnee and Tecumseh did not sit well with the territorial governor, William Henry Harrison. The two met and negotiated an uneasy peace. Tecumseh leaves to Canada to work to unite the tribes. Harrison used this time to build Fort Harrison. The Battle of Tippecanoe ended with the burning of Prophetstown and Harrison claiming a victory which propelled him to the presidency years later.

The Role of War Hawks When the threat of War looms over a nation, two groups of people will emerge, Hawks and Doves. Hawks are people who actively support a war. Doves are people who rather have a peaceful solution than use war as a means to solve a problem.

Henry Clay, the Biggest War Hawk Who was Henry Clay and what role did he paly in the War of 1812? Elected to serve as Speaker of the House in 1811, He favored war because he: Believed Americans had becomes soft from years of peaceful and selfish commerce, a war would toughen em’ up. He felt Britain had, on many occasions violated American rights to freely ship and trade. He felt the British also were supporting Native Americans in the West. Plus, he felt we could take Canada!

John C Calhoun, South Carolina’s War hawk Who was John C Calhoun, and what role did he play in the War of 1812? John C Calhoun was a young Congressman from South Carolina. Once he was elected to congress he joined the “War Hawks” He pushed for the War with Britain because he believed they had violated our neutrality rights by impressing our sailors, He believed the British were arming Native Americans in the West.

Major Events of the War of 1812 1813 1813 1814 1814 1815 Treaty of Ghent is signed ending the War. On June 18th Congress grants Madison’s request to go to war with Britain Battle of New Orleans. British are defeated and Andrew Jackson becomes a famous war hero. America wins important naval battles in the Great Lakes. British siege of Washington D.C. The White House and other important buildings are burned. Britian enacts a blockade of America’s Atlantic coast.

Effects of the Battle of Lake Erie Oliver Hazard Perry is credited for the American victory over the British in the Battle of Lake Erie. This early victory for the United States had some serious outcomes for the War of 1812. Effects of the Battle of Lake Erie Gave American’s control of Lake Erie for the duration of the War which allowed Americans to: Regain control of Detroit from the British, and win the Battle of the Thames which ended Native American Confederacy of Tecumseh It ended the British threat in the Northwest

Significant events of the War of 1812 Siege of Washington D.C – The British attack the capitol city and burn many government buildings, including the White House. Dolly Madison, saves the Portrait of George Washington. .

Battle of Ft. McHenry Battle of Fort McHenry – September 13 & 14th 1814, the British attacked Baltimore, and bombarded Ft. McHenry. Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the Star Spangled Banner as a result of this event.

Treaty of Ghent Treaty of Ghent – Signed December 24, 1814 ending the war

Battle of New Orleans Battle of New Orleans – was fought January 8, 1815, a clear victory of the Americans, the hero of this battle was Andrew Jackson. This victory propelled him to the Presidency in 1828

Effects of the War of 1812 The War of 1812 had no clear winner. Neither the United States nor England could claim an all out victory. No territory was lost or gained, However, the War did have the following outcomes: Foreign Affairs – America proved it could defend itself from European Attacks. Increase Nationalism - In addition Americans also gained an increased sense of pride in their country because they were able to defend themselves against England. Economy – Because trade with England was canceled during the War, America had to learn to make the items they once purchased from Britain, this helped strengthen American manufacturing and our economy. Frontier – Native Americans who fought against American western expansion, with British support, no longer were able to resist settlers moving into their territories.