1. Causes of the War of 1812
J.A.SACCO

2. Causes of the War of 1812
Jefferson foreign policy based on three principles:
“No entangling alliances”- England principle enemy, but Napoleon can’t be trusted.
Need overseas commerce to promote agrarian dream-hoped to keep manufacturing in Europe- Avoid concentration of wealth in U.S. and a dependent working class. Shortsighted?
Maintain peace- war creates death and destruction, as well as political disunity, crushes free speech, increases debt, and expands gov’t power.

3. The Napoleonic Wars-(1803-1815)
U.S. caught between Br./Fr. –wanted to remain neutral. Key to victory was to stop the others trade.
U.S. would
be eventually
caught in the
Middle!
France defeats Austria
And Russia -Gives
Napoleon control of Europe
Battle of Trafalgar (1805)
Lord Nelson defeats Fr/Sp fleet
Gives England control of the seas.

4. U.S Caught in the Middle
1805- Br. -1st Orders in Council (Essex Pledge)- seize U.S. vessels trading with France
1806- U.S.- Non-Importation Agreement- forbid U.S. from importing British goods that could be bought elsewhere/or made in U.S.
1806- Br.- England begins to blockade European cost
1806- Fr.- France outlaws all trade with England
1807- Br.- Second Orders in Council- demand neutral shipping trading in Europe must first stop in England for inspection/ licensing in British port
1807- Fr.- Milan Decree- if neutral ship follows British decrees, ship would be seized by French navy
Why is the U.S. in a dilemma?

5. Embargo a Bust! Why did the Embargo Act 1807 not work?
Believed Br/Fr need U.S. goods- force them to recognize U.S. neutrality.
Why did the Embargo Act 1807 not work?
Goods smuggled by discontented New England merchants

6. Embargo a Bust!
U.S. exports(1807) $108 million/ $22 million. Unemployment increase.

7. The Election of 1808 James Madison wins election but Federalists gain
seats in Congress and key state legislatures.

8. Madison Takes Control Madison continues neutral policy of Jefferson.
Repeals Embargo Act in 1809.

9. Madison Takes Control
Non-Intercourse Act (1809)- just as ineffective as Embargo Act
Macon’s Bill #2 (1810)- tried to play one nation against the other.
Napoleon sets a trap. Says he will repeal his decrees.
U.S. gives a chance for Britain to repeal its Orders in Council.
Not wanting to fight both France and the U.S., Britain complies
but too late. U.S. declares war on Britain.

10. War with Britain- A Second Time
Why was war with Britain a greater possibility than with France?
Democratic-Republicans historically anti-British.
Violation U.S. neutrality.

11. War with Britain- A Second Time
Impressment of U.S. sailors
6,000 Americans
impressed between

12. War with Britain- A Second Time
“The Chesapeake Affair” (1807)
Looking for British
deserters HMS Leopard
fires on Chesapeake.
3K/18W. Then boarded
and got four deserters.

13. War with Britain- A Second Time
Native-American resistance led by Tecumseh. U.S. felt Tecumseh and his confederation being aided by British to stir up trouble on the frontier. Tecumseh flees to Canada after Battle of Tippecanoe (1811). Victory by Gen. William Henry Harrison.
Tecumseh- Shawnee chief

14. War with Britain- A Second Time
Henry Clay-(KY)
John C. Calhoun- (SC)
War Hawks wanted U.S. expansion in Florida and Canada. End Indian
resistance and monopolize fur trade. Control Florida would end Spanish
influence, remove border disputes, and end refuge for runaway slave.