Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa
Tecumseh the Shawnee chief and his brother the “prophet” led resistance against land hungry Americans.
Growth: Population in Ohio:
1810: 230,000
1817: 300,000
Tecumseh’s confederacy
Solidified alliances with northern tribes and British agents and fur traders.
Goal: potential war against United States.
Angered as far back by the Governor of Indiana William Henry Harrison whose treaties consistently ripped off the Shawnee.
Shawnee split
“no tribe has the right to sell, even to each other, much less to strangers…sell to a country! Why not sell the air, the sky, the earth?” Tecumseh
Harrison took advantage of Tecumseh’s advantage to rip off the Shawnee.
Battle of Tippecanoe
Made a hero out of Harrison.
Strengthened Tecumseh’s resolve to hold back Americans.
The War of 1812
Indian conflicts of 1811 merged with larger conflict with England known as the War of 1812.
1809-1812: Madison teetered between England and France as the enemy as both were attacking American merchant ships.
The Economic War
Jefferson’s Embargo Act of 1807-no outside commerce. Impact?
Madison’s Non-Intercourse Act (1810) forbade commerce with only England and France and their colonies—limiting our commerce.
Macon’s Bill #2
Offered an opportunity to either Britain or France…stop the nonsense and trade. France signed on first, and then continued the nonsense!
Elections of 1810: The War Hawks
Nearly everyone was disappointed with Madison’s miscalculation and the disruption in trade.
The nation responded with elections in 1810 that brought into power the War Hawks. Young Republicans eager to avenge the insult.
Henry Clay
Opposing the War
Vote in June 1812: Favor of war: South and West Against: Parts of New England and Mid Atlantic.
Ironic development The British had announced just days earlier an end to
search and seizure of American ships. Congress had acted, the momentum was great.
Invasion of Canada
Thoughts were that a quick victory could be achieved in four weeks…took 2.5 years.
Northern invasions were blunders and revealed our unpreparedness
British and Native American forces were very powerful.
New England
Most were engaged in illegal English trade and dragged their feet on raising men.
They hoped to created dissension amongst the Americans.
Republicans painted a picture of Federalist disloyalty.
Election of 1812 a close call…reflecting Federalist anger.
Tide Turns
Major victory at York (1812-Toronto)
Burned capital of Canada.
Victories on Lake Erie by Oliver Hazzard Perry.
Andrew Jackson gains fame (part I)
10,000 Creek Indians had allied with the British and put up a significant assault using Spanish support.
Jackson ended the Creek war he led 2500 militia against the Creek at the battle of Horshoe Bend.
Got them to relinquish thousands of square miles of land.
British Offensive
August of 1814: the British sail into Chesapeake Bay throwing the Nation into turmoil.
Capital is burned 8/24/1814
Dolly Madison’s famous tale.
Star Spangled Banner
Francis Scott Key penned the famous song after witnessing a fierce defense by the Maryland militia from Fort McHenry.
September 1814
Marching from Canada to New York the British seemed to have every advantage, artillery, cavalry, navy…yet they made key errors in the battle of Plattsburgh and retreated to Canada.
Conclusions of Plattsburgh
The British concluded that any interaction with this war would be very expensive and have long term consequences.
New Orleans
Jackson and his militia (Horseshoe Bend) encountered British outside New Orleans in January of 1815.
Most impressive victory in US History.
2,500 British casualties. 80 Americans. Jackson an instant hero. The decisive battle of the
war.
Treaty of Ghent
Signed prior to the Battle of New Orleans! Neither country claimed victory—they may
have had it been signed later. Americans yielded on Impressment. US Gave up claims to Canada. British abandoned aid to Indians. Nothing said about shipping rights. Commission created to analyze Canadian
border
Hartford Convention
Discussed secession of New England
Proposed abolishing 3/5 clause
Limit congressional rights to embargo
Looked to break Southern Power
Federalist Party destroyed.