The War of 1812
Second war between England and America
Cause #1: Impressment
The first cause of the war was impressment. America declared neutrality and wanted to trade with both France and Britain. Neither France or Britain accepted this decision. For a reaction, Britain starting capturing ships and kidnapping soldiers again for a second time. An example of them doing this was the Chesapeake Affair. This happened when a British warship tried to capture the Chesapeake, and American warship, which kidnapped soldiers.
Cause #2: Economic Problems
Economic problems started coming from the Embargo Act of 1807. This is when Jefferson proposed an embargo to avoid war. It stopped America from all trade with Europe. The positive outlook about it was it kept American ships safe and also avoided war. The negative outcome was without European trade, the American economy suffered. Later on, James Madison, created the Non-Intercourse Act. This restored trade with all of Europe except Britain and France. Even with all of this, the economy still suffered and many Americans wanted to go to war.
Cause #3: "War Hawks" Elected
The image above is a picture of Henry Clay, one of the most significant War Hawks. He developed many compromises to prevent Civil War. Another notable War Hawk was John C. Calhoun. He was the future vice president under Andrew Jackson. War Hawks wanted war against Britain. The southern part of America was mad because Britain had damaged their trade with Europe. Northern America was mad because they blamed Britain for the Indian attacks on the frontier.
Cause #4: Fighting in the West
Americans violated the Treaty of Greenville and moved into Indian land. British troops were still in western forts and armed Indians to attack Americans. War chief, Tecumseh, began recruiting and uniting tribes to protect their lands. One battle that happened in the west was the Battle of Tippecanoe. William Henry Harrison led troops against Indians, crushing Tecumseh's movement. Later, Tecumseh fled to British owned Canada confirming that Britain was aiding Indians.
Fighting around the Chesapeake Bay
British navy moved to the Chesapeake Bay and marched soldiers to Washington D.C. Members of the federal government, including Madison, fled as the British attacked. The Capitol Building and White House were burned.
Battle of New Orleans
Britain wanted to capture New Orleans and the Mississippi to cut off trade. This battle was led by Andrew Jackson and American troops beat the British. It made Jackson a national hero and inspired nationalism throughout the country.
Four effects of the War of 1812
Effect #1: Economy
Factories grew during the war and America depended less on British manufacturing.
Effect #2: Politics
William Henry Harrison and Andrew Jackson became heroes. Meanwhie, Federalists looked unpatriotic after the Hartford convention and "died out."
Effect #3: Foreign Reactions
International Respect happened and America had became a world power.
Effect #4: Culture
America entering a period of nationalism called an "Era of Good Feelings." America also turned from Europe and looked west to expand. Lastly, we created a unique culture distinct from Europe.