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REMEMBER…France and Britain are fighting the Napoleonic Wars in Europe.
CAUSES OF THE WAR OF 1812
America wants to remain neutral
Britain was impressing American sailors into the Royal Navy
Britain created a blockade of American ports
*The British interference with American trade hurt the U.S. economy *British and Native Americans clashed with American settlers over land in the west.
THE UNITED STATES' RESPONSE (Economy / Impressment)
THE UNITED STATES' RESPONSE (Economy / Impressment)
1807: The Embargo Act is passed, banning trade with ALL foreign countries to punish Britain and France
The Embargo Act failed because it caused American merchants to lose money and had little effect on Britain and France.
1808: James Madison becomes the 4th President of the United States
Jefferson did not want to run for a 3rd term
Madison was Jefferson’s Secretary of State
Considered the father of the Constitution
Fun Fact: Madison is the shortest President at 5’4”
1809: Congress replaced unpopular Embargo Act with Non-Intercourse Act
Banned trade only with Britain, France, and their colonies
U.S. trade would resume with first side to stop violating American neutrality
Law was no more successful than Embargo Act
War Hawks: Southern congressmen who favored war against Britain
Led by Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun
Wanted to take Canada which was held by the British
Said we would lose our independence if we didn’t fight!
New Englanders (Northerners)
Merchants & businessmen opposed war
WHY? Relied on trade with Britain
BENEFITS OF GOING TO WAR WITH BRITIAIN?
No more embargo: reopening trade = $$$
Patriotism - National Pride
Stop the impressment of American sailors
Gain Canada (more land / resources)
DRAWBACKS OF GOING TO WAR WITH BRITAIN?
Not everyone in the US wanted to go to war
Military was small
Standing Army was small
Militia comprised most of our forces, and they did not like to fight outside of their state borders
Navy was quite small only 22 ships
Britain was a great Superpower and could crush us like a bug and we could lose territory that was gained in the Treaty of Paris or the Louisiana Purchase
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