The War of 1812
The causes, events, and effects
The presidents wanted peace (1800-1809)
Washington, Adams, and Jefferson all wanted neutrality towards Britain and France, until Madison took office.
Native Resistance and Tecumseh (1809-1813)
Tecumseh, a Shawnee chief, was worried about the Americans taking over Indian land, so he had a plan to unite the Native American tribes to push back the Americans and preserve their land, especially as the US tried to advance into Canada.
Tecumseh had support from the British (1809-1813)
The British welcomed the Native Americans into Canada, and they became allies, which stirred many War Hawks to want war against the British.
The British started impressing American sailors (1811-1812)
As the war between the British and French continued, the British wanted American support, so they started capturing American sailors and forcing them to help the British.
War Hawks wanted war (1811-1812)
Many Americans, especially Henry Clay of Kentucky, wanted war against Britain because of their anger and the things the British did, including supporting the Native Americans.
Event Information
Battle of Lake Erie
Oliver Hazard Perry shouted "Don't give up the ship!" and defeated several British ships, giving the Americans control of Lake Erie for the rest of the war. It was a big morale booster for the USA.
When?
Friday, Sep 10, 1813, 09:00 PM
Where?
Lake Erie State Park, Brocton, NY, United States
Battle of Thames (October 5, 1813)
A decisive American voctory in which Tecumseh, the Native American chief, died and so the Americans faced less of a threat from the natives. Because of this battle in Canada, the Americans gained control of the north again.
Battle of fort mchenry (September 13, 1814)
Under intense fire, the Americans survived and defended Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. Francis Scott Key, an American hostage being held by the British, saw the still flying American flag the morning after the battle, and wrote our national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner.
The Treaty of Ghent (December 24, 1814)
In Ghent, Belgium, American and British diplomats got together to stop the fighting. In the treaty, there was no clear winner because no land was exchanged and no trade laws were changed, only the fighting stopped, but Americans felt like they had one.
Battle of New Orleans (December 24, 1814)
The British navy and army tried to seize the major American city of New Orleans. However, after the fighting, America won and General Andrew Jackson (future president) became a war hero. However, the fighting was pointless because the day that the battle was fought was the day that the Treaty of Ghent was signed.
America gained strength and unity! (1815 and on)
Although there was no clear winner in the Treaty of Ghent, Americans believed that they had won. There was much more patriotism and nationalism, and America gained lots of respect from foreign countries. Native Americans also lessened their attacks on Americans, now that their strength was low and Tecumseh was dead. It is also said that this is when Uncle Sam originated.