1. The War of 1812
A military conflict between the US and the British Empire between June February 1815.

2. Reasons for the War Violation of shipping rights
All were supposed to be able to trade in the open seas during peacetime
Impressment of sailors
Settlers blamed the British for encouraging the Native Americans to resist westward expansion

3. Political Leaders Favoring War
WAR HAWKS
Senator John C. Calhoun of South Carolina
Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky
Wanted war with Britain because:
Southern and western territories faced constant threats from British forces and Native Americans
Hoped war would produce more land gains in British Canada and Spanish Florida (Spain was ally of Britain)
Congress declared war on Great Britain on June 18, 1812

4. Important Events in War of 1812
Battle of Horseshoe Bend
March 27, 1814
Andrew Jackson got help from the Cherokee Nation to defeat Britain’s ally the Creeks in the South
This victory opened up Southwest to white settlement

5. The Treaty of Ghent December 24, 1814
This treaty ended the war with no real gains for either side.
Basically returned to each side the territory it had before hostilities began
Did nothing about impressments of sailors or the rights of those that declare neutrality

6. The Battle of New Orleans
January 8, 1815
Battle was fought after the war had technically ended
Fighters did not realize a treaty had been accepted
Jackson’s troops defeated the British
U.S forces suffered 8 deaths to over 700 for the British
Victory gave U.S. people great pride
Andrew Jackson became a national hero

7. Consequences of the War of 1812
U.S. and Great Britain agreed to return boundaries to where they were before the war
The United States’ ability to defend itself won the respect and recognition of other nations
Feelings of U.S. nationalism (love of one’s country) grew stronger
The Federalist Party lost its credibility and disbanded
The U.S. manufacturing industry grew due to lack of good from Britain during the war. The U.S. became more self sufficient.

8. FYI
In its first 30 years, the U.S. also signed two important treaties with Spain:
Pinckney’s Treaty- opened up Mississippi River to western farmers= TRADE
Adams-Onis Treaty- U.S. gained Florida, defined western border of the Louisiana Territory, gave Oregon Territory to the U.S., but gave up claim to Texas