•How did a failure of diplomacy lead to the outbreak of war?

•Where did Republicans and Federalists stand on declaring and then fighting the war?

•How did the war affect the new nation?

•Did the Americans achieve their goals in the War of 1812?

What are some major events leading to The War of 1812?

In 1802, Napoleon Bonaparte (France) began a series of conquests called the Napoleonic Wars

intended to compete with European imperialism and counter attacks related to revolutionary fear

Part of these wars was the sale of Louisiana, which was positive for the U.S.

However, due to “neutrality” of U.S., trade with both Britain and France led to hurt feelings—France had cut off trade of other European nations with Britain; Britain retaliates

What are some major events leading to The War of 1812?

One means of retaliation was through trade restrictions. As the U.S. was trading openly with France and Britain, US ships were harassed, cargo that appeared “French” was seized (sugar, molasses…).

Britain required licenses for ships bound for EuropeFrance confiscated cargo from licensed ships

Impressment of American sailors Many British sailors desert their ships, join U.S. crewsBritish Navy kidnapped these sailors off American ships and had them rejoin the British Navy1807: Attack on U.S. Navy vessel Chesapeake sparks U.S. response (Chesapeake-Leopard Affair)

What are some major events leading to The War of 1812?

Response to Britain—Economic Diplomacy (Coercion): Embargo Act of 1807 Halted all trade with Europe until Britain and France lift restrictions on U.S. trade; requires license for any trade

Embargo is a government ban on trade with other countriesOverestimated reliance on trade with Europe; underestimated resistance of Northern merchants

“Ograbme” (see above)Embargo is depicted as a

snapping turtle with a trading license, biting a smuggler who is carrying goods toward a British ship.

hurt the American economy far more than the British or French, and resulted in widespread smuggling.

Enter James Madison…

Madison was already politically famous as Jefferson’s Secretary of State, author of Federalist Papers, the “father of the Constitution” and author of the BoRHowever, cited as “too timid and indecisive as a statesman,” especially on matters of foreign affairs

Britain helps Natives in the West attack Americans on the frontier (Battle of Tippecanoe, 1811), violating Treaty of ParisSpanish use Natives of Florida and Georgia as spies and encouraged the tribes to raid U.S. settlements

What was Madison’s role leading up to The War of 1812?

Non-Intercourse Act (replaces Embargo Act)Forbade trade with France and Britain; however President could reopen trade when either France or Britain lifted restrictions

Influence of Republican “War Hawks”Weary of failed attempts to demand British respect for American sovereignty in the West, neutrality on the waterSouthern congressmen rise to power in newly-elected, sectionall-divided Congress (John C. Calhoun—SC, Henry Clay—KY as leaders)

• Wanted territory in British Canada, Spanish Florida • Favored war, even though it hurt the east, as a show of

American patriotism of their forefathers (“a second war for independence”)

Causes of War Simplified

Impressment of U.S. citizens by Britain

Interference with American shipping by both Britain and France

British support of Native American resistance in the West

Poor diplomatic efforts to fix economic and political foreign affairs issues

“Western War with Eastern Labels”

BENEFITS of WAR

Reopening of trade

Renewed “National Pride” and “American spirit”

Halt impressment of sailors and destruction of business profits

Territorial acquisition (perhaps Canada, Florida)

DRAWBACKS of WAR

Military was smallState militias made up most of U.S. forces; didn’t like to fight outside of borders

Navy was only 22 ships

Could potentially lose territory gained in Treaty of Paris or Louisiana Purchase

Britain was the leading world superpower

Powerful Navy, Army

June 1812: Madison asks Congress for declaration of war; vote split along regional lines

Key Early Battles April ’13: US burns York (now Toronto)

US figured Canadians would welcome them and help expel Britain from North America…FAIL!

Sept. ’13: Commodore Perry defeats British on Lake Erie, major transport point

"We have met the enemy and they are ours"

Oct. ’13: Harrison defeats British and Natives, killing TecumsehBritain blockades Eastern Seaboard

This prevented shipping from leaving, and made the war more unpopular in the Northeast

War started with invasion of western British Canada, almost disastrous for U.S.

Rebellion…and the Roof is on Fire

NE Federalists oppose war, refuse to let state militias attack Canada

Boston merchants, banks refuse to fund/lend money to gov’t for war

Daniel Webster (NH) leads Fed in Congressional opposition to higher tax, tariffs, national conscription of militia

These domestic issues allow Britain to gain ground

August 1814: British sail into Chesapeake Bay and capture Washington D.C.

burn White House and the Capitol

Madison and Congress barely escape (role of Dolley Madison)

The artist gloats over naval losses suffered by England early in the War of 1812, in particular the defeat of the warship "Boxer" by the American frigate "Enterprise" in September 1813. King George III stands at left, on the right, his opponent James Madison says, "Ha-Ah Johnny! you thought yourself a "Boxer" did you! -- I'll let you know we are an "Enterprize"ing Nation. and ready to meet you with equal force any day."

Battle of the Thames

Burning of Washington

“Oh Say Can You See…”Unlike D.C., Baltimore was ready for the British

city militia inflicted heavy casualties on the British

After a failed bombardment of Fort McHenry on September 13, 1814, British abandon the attackFrancis Scott Key witnessed the bombardment from a nearby ship, where he penned a poem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” (becomes the National Anthem)

The original Star-Spangled Banner

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C.

The Hartford Convention, December 1814

Convention of New England merchants who opposed the Embargo and other trade restriction, and the War of 1812. Propose Constitutional amendments, such as four-year presidential term, restriction of embargoes, 2/3 majority of Congress to declare war (not 51%) or admit new stateAdvocate states rights, including nullification, or ability to say federal laws were unconstitutional.

discussed the idea of seceding from the U.S. if their desires were ignored (the “Essex Junto” led by Aaron Burr)

Hartford Convention turned public sentiment against the Federalists, who have already started to split

Treaty of Ghent

Treaty was Negotiated in Europe and was signed on Dec. 24, 1814 ending the war of 1812The War ended in a stalemate, where no party gained or lost any territory. The issue of impressment was not addressed, but faded on its own.

Battle of New Orleans, January 1815British invasion force was repelled by Andrew Jackson’s troops at New Orleans, an important port and point of control of Mississippi 2,500 British soldiers were killed or captured; only 13 Americans died. Neither side knew that the Treaty of Ghent had ended the War of 1812 two weeks before the battle.This victory inspired American nationalism, ensured treaty ratification, and makes Jackson a national hero

If The War of 1812 ended in a “tie,” why was it important?

Increased American Patriotism (Nationalism)We were able to hold our own against the British, the world superpower

Growth of U.S. manufacturing and military power

Weakened Native American resistance

Started thinking about continuing westward expansion (Manifest Destiny)