THE SECOND WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE

&THE UPSURGE OF

NATIONALISM(1812-1824)

War of 1812: Causes

Napoleonic Wars When the Napoleonic Wars

began in Europe in1803, they became a threat to American shipping

By 1805, Britain & France each blocked the other’s trade & both began seizing American ships

War of 1812: Causes

Impressment of Sailors Pay and working conditions

were poor for British sailors Many deserted & joined

American ships Royal Navy forced British

sailors to return About 6000 Americans were

pressed into service between 1803-1812

War of 1812: Causes

The Chesapeake Affair USS Chesapeake (warship)

refused to be boarded

HMS Leopard fired its cannons, killing 3 Americans & wounding others

Many in the US called for war

War of 1812: Causes

The Embargo Act (1807) Prohibited ALL US exports

Goal: European alliance on American goods would force recognition of neutral rights

Result: Complete failure – unemployment rose & the policy was very unpopular in the United States

War of 1812: Causes

Madison’s Response Supported loosening the

embargo, but US ships were again seized by the French & British

Since the British controlled the seas, Americans turned their anger toward the British

War of 1812: Causes

Conflict in the Northwest Territory Indian leaders objected to treaties negotiated with

Indians who had no authority to speak with American officials

American settlers often violated the terms of treaties

The British used these tensions to their advantage

War of 1812: Causes

Tecumseh A respected & charismatic

warrior

Worked with his brother, known as the Prophet

Goal: To create confederation of ALL Indian people to resist American expansion

War of 1812: Causes

Battle of Tippecanoe (1811) Indiana governor William Henry Harrison grew

concerned about Tecumseh & Indian resistance

The Prophet called for an attack on Harrison’s forces – Indians were defeated & the town was burned

Results: Harrison became an American hero Tecumseh allied with the British

War of 1812: Causes

Election of War Hawks Name given to vocal

supporters of war with Great Britain Strongest support in the

South & West Led by Henry Clay & John

C. Calhoun

Declaration of War

Opposition to war was strongest in New England & New York

In June 1812, Congress issued a declaration of war – the first in US history

Critics labeled it “Mr. Madison’s War”

War of 1812Americans led several unsuccessful invasions of Canada

Oliver Perry defeated the British the Battle of Lake Erie

Tecumseh was killed at the Battle of the Thames in 1813

Thomas Macdonough won a surprise victory at the Battle of Plattsburgh

War of 1812

Battle of Bladensburg left Washington, DC unprotected While in Washington, the British

burned the White House along with several other buildings

The US Capitol building also suffered damage

The British withdrew the next day

Treaty of Ghent

Negotiators from the US & Britain agreed to end hostilities The terms of the treaty restored relations to their pre-war

staus Issues such as the impressment of sailors & shipping

rights were not addressed News of the agreement took nearly 2 months to reach the

US

Battle of New Orleans Andrew Jackson led American forces to victory against 8000 British troops Most decisive victory of the

war The British suffered 2000

casualties in the period of ½ hour

The Americans only lost 70 men in the same period of time