The Path to War

Jefferson wanted the US to have friendly relations with all nations but have “entangling alliances with none.”

Hard to do with US engaged in foreign trade all over the world.

1803: War between England and France.

England captured trading ships bound for France. France stopped all ships to England. (US ships included).

British Navy was very weak at the time (not many sailors).

England started Impressing, or kidnapping American sailors to work on British ships (6,000 total).

Jefferson asked congress to stop all foreign trade under the Embargo Act of 1807.

The War of 1812 1812: More

Americans were calling for war against England for helping Natives and its policy on the sea.

Americans who supported war were called War Hawks.

President James Madison asked congress to declare war.

War of 1812 Battle Map

Tecumseh Tecumseh, a Shawnee chief vowed to stop Natives

losing their land to white settlers. Governor of Indiana Territory William Henry Harrison

signed a treaty to get land from 3 Native tribes. Tecumseh wanted all

native tribes to unite. The natives were

defeated and many killed, including Tecumseh, at the battle of Tippecanoe in 1813, led by Harrison.

Tecumseh’s Curse

Phases of the War Phase 1 of war:

Britain focused on their war with France.

Blockaded American coast.

America’s navy rose to many challenges and won many battles.

Phase 2 of war: Napoleon defeated.

1814: British burn Washington DC (the White House and Capitol building).

Dolley Madison saves Portrait of Washington

Battle of Fort McHenry After burning Washington DC, the British moved

north to Maryland to attack Ft. McHenry. The commander of the fort requested a US flag so

large the British would be able to see it.

A lawyer named Francis Scott Key was detained on a prison ship and witnessed the battle.

He wrong a song called the Star Spangled Banner on the ship (national anthem).

Battle of Fort McHenry

Battle of New Orleans The British wanted to

capture the important port of New Orleans in Louisiana.

Neither side knew that the war was over; the Treaty of Ghent had been signed.

Americans were led by General Andrew Jackson (AKA Old Hickory).

Jan 1815: Battle of New Orleans was a victory for Americans. The Battle of New Orleans Song

Legacy of the War No clear winner of the war. Heroic exploits of Jackson increased

patriotism. Native American resistance was

weakened. War interrupted trade; Americans had to

learn to make many goods (encouraged growth of American manufacturing).

More Americans had faith in the nations future.