Problems with Foreign Powers The War of 1812

One more time…. France and England have “ issues ” and they go to war. France and England have “ issues ” and they go to war. The United States did not want to get involved – they wanted to concentrate on domestic issues. (things at home) The United States did not want to get involved – they wanted to concentrate on domestic issues. (things at home) It was tough to do - because as a new nation, we traded with many other nations. It was tough to do - because as a new nation, we traded with many other nations.

But the U.S. couldn ’ t avoid getting involved Britain put a “blockade” on American ships. Britain put a “blockade” on American ships. The used “ impressment ” of American sailors. The used “ impressment ” of American sailors. Americans found out the British were giving Native Americans guns and encouraging them to attack frontier settlements Americans found out the British were giving Native Americans guns and encouraging them to attack frontier settlements Refused to let ships pass through (they “blocked” them). Refused to let ships pass through (they “blocked” them). Took American sailors and prisoner and forced them to work on British ships. Took American sailors and prisoner and forced them to work on British ships.

Some Americans were totally for a war with Britain. Some Americans were totally for a war with Britain. These people were called “ war hawks ” These people were called “ war hawks ” Some Americans wanted to avoid war and look for a peaceful solution. Some Americans wanted to avoid war and look for a peaceful solution. These people are often called “doves” These people are often called “doves”

We did end up going to war with Britain And, the war started in 1812 – so it ’ s called: “ The War of __ __ __ __ ” And, the war started in 1812 – so it ’ s called: “ The War of __ __ __ __ ”

The War of 1812 is often called: The 2 nd War for American Independence The 2 nd War for American Independence It ’ s like: two people getting in a fight… and the weaker person loses. It ’ s like: two people getting in a fight… and the weaker person loses. The stronger one gets mad they lost and wants to get another shot at winning. The stronger one gets mad they lost and wants to get another shot at winning. The War of 1812 was very similar to that. The War of 1812 was very similar to that. At the start of the War At the start of the War The United States was not ready to fight. The United States was not ready to fight. We still had a very small Army and Navy. We still had a very small Army and Navy. Many Americans were opposed to the war. Many Americans were opposed to the war. Some Americans had great feelings of nationalism and pride in America. Some Americans had great feelings of nationalism and pride in America.

During the War In 1812: The British attacked and controlled Washington D.C. In 1812: The British attacked and controlled Washington D.C. They burned down many buildings, including the “ White House ” They burned down many buildings, including the “ White House ” As the British were getting closer, President Madison ’ s wife tried to save whatever she could from the White House (the most famous thing she took was a portrait of G. Washington). As the British were getting closer, President Madison ’ s wife tried to save whatever she could from the White House (the most famous thing she took was a portrait of G. Washington).

Ft. McHenry was attacked and Francis Scott Key wrote a poem about whether the fort would survive the attack – later put to music….. Ft. McHenry was attacked and Francis Scott Key wrote a poem about whether the fort would survive the attack – later put to music…..

Results of the War of 1812 They still fought for a little time – even after the war was over (like at the Battle of New Orleans – where we first hear of a general named Andrew Jackson – later a very important President). They still fought for a little time – even after the war was over (like at the Battle of New Orleans – where we first hear of a general named Andrew Jackson – later a very important President). It increased American Patriotism. It increased American Patriotism. It broke the strength of Native Americans – who had sided with the British. It broke the strength of Native Americans – who had sided with the British. The United States decided to be more self-sufficient, produce their own goods, and didn ’ t rely on England or France as much. The United States decided to be more self-sufficient, produce their own goods, and didn ’ t rely on England or France as much. The U.S. proved it could defend itself against other powers. The U.S. proved it could defend itself against other powers. For the first time, Americans believed the new nation would survive and prosper. For the first time, Americans believed the new nation would survive and prosper. It would be about another 100 years before the United States would get involved in any big way with European events. It would be about another 100 years before the United States would get involved in any big way with European events.

All about the original “ Star Spangled Banner ” (from the Smithsonian)