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The War Hawks

• Group of 40 men who worked to get Henry Clay elected as Speaker of the House

Henry Clay

War of 1812

• Americans wanted the Orders of Council suspended

• Britain finally decided to do so on June 16• But America declared war on June 18

Problems the Americans had:

1. Had a small army– Only 67,000 troops– States were unwilling to commit their troops

2. No National bank to borrow money from3. Poor communication network4. Older generals

Highlights of the War

• The first year, the Americans were only successful at sea with the USS Constitution (called “Old Ironsides”)

• The British burned Capitol Hill and the president’s house in Washington D.C.

• Francis Scott Key wrote the “Star Spangled Banner” during this war.

Francis Scott Key

• The Battle of New Orleans was the biggest victory of the war for the Americans

Treaty of Ghent

• Called the “Treaty of Christmas Eve”• Ended the War of 1812

Results of the War of 18121. US gained respect in the eyes of other

nations2. Created greater sense of nationalism3. New war heroes emerged4. America developed own industry