The War of 1812
The war of 1812 help make the United States a world power.
Causes
Impressment
America declared neutrality but Britain and France did not accept neutrality. Britain again captured ships and kidnapped sailors. In 1807 the British tried to capture the Chesapeake, an American warship.
Economic Problems
Jefferson proposed an embargo to avoid war which stopped all trade with Europe. This kept American ships safe and avoided war but without European trade, the American economy suffered. James Madison was elected and he passed the Non-Intercourse Act which restored trade with Europe except for Britain and France but the American economy still suffered and many Americans wanted war.
War Hawks
War hawks wanted war against British. In 1810 new war hawk congressmen from the south and west were elected. Southerners said Britain had damaged their trade with Europe and Westerners blamed Britain for indian attacks on their frontier.
Native American Attacks
Americans violated the Treaty of Greenville and moved into Indian land. British troops were still in western forts and armed Indians to attack Americans. Tecumseh began recruiting and uniting their lands, William Henry Harrison led troops against Indians, crushing Tecumseh's movement. Tecumseh fled to British owned Canada confirming that the Britain was aiding Indians
Battles
Fighting around the Chesapeake Bay
British moved from Chesapeake to Washington DC, members of the federal government fled as the British attacked, the British burned the white house and Capitol building. The British navy tried to attack Baltimore but were stopped at fort McHenry. British ships retreated and the Chesapeake area was saved.
New Orleans
Britain wanted to capture New Orleans and the Mississippi river to cut off trade. American troops lead by Jakson beat the british in New Orleans. The battle made Jackson a national hero and inspired nationalism throughout the country.
Effects
Economy
Factories grew during the war and America depended less on British manufacturing
Politics
Harrison and Jackson became heros. Federalists looked unpatriotic after the Hartford convention.
Foreign Relations
America became a world power which gave them international respect.
Culture
The era of good feelings- entered period of nationalism. America turned from Europe and looked west to expand. Americans created a unique culture distinct from Europe.