1. The War of 1812

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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