The War of 1812: Causes As Thomas Jefferson begins his second term as US President in 1804, Britain and France are at war... again (big surprise, right?) The renewed fighting threatens American shipping: – British blockade French ports to keep ships from entering – Both Britain and France seize American ships, take cargo – Rumors circulate of impressment – seizing American ships and forcing sailors to serve in the British Navy 1

War of 1812: Causes President Jefferson convinces Congress to declare an embargo – or ban on exports. The embargo, which was meant to hurt Europe, also hurt American merchants, sailors, and farmers. The Embargo is lifted in 1809, except against Britain and France. 2

The War of 1812: Causes Meanwhile... – Tecumseh – Shawnee chief – tries to unite Native Americans in the Midwest – Wanted to protect their homeland against invading white settlers – 1811 – they launch an unsuccessful attack against Gen. William Henry Harrison – It is discovered that the British had supplied them with the weapons used in the attack War of 1812 Video 3

The War of 1812: Outcome The War of 1812 divided the nation along geographic and party lines (see Issues Connector) In the end, national economic interests outweighed sectional opposition: – To protect American trade President Madison asked Congress for a declaration of war; Congress approved the declaration in early June. – The U.S. defeated Britain and a peace agreement was signed on Christmas Eve,

The War of 1812: Outcome The peace treaty did not address the issue of impressment, but it did reopen trade between the U.S. and Britain. Later, the two nations were able to reach an agreement establishing the US-Canadian border. Future U.S. President General Andrew Jackson was hailed as a national hero. 5

The War of 1812: Outcome After the war, the U.S. entered an “Era of Good Feelings” – a brief period of time (1815 – 1824) when strong feelings of nationalism swept the country. – Star Spangled Banner became national anthem – Uncle Sam became national symbol Sectional conflicts, however, did not disappear (see Missouri Compromise on pages 222 – 223). 6