The War of 1812

1. The Napoleonic Wars

1806: Berlin Decrees (“Continental System”) Britain issues “Order of Council” 1807: Milan Decrees 1808-1811: Britain impressed over 6,000

American sailors

2. The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair

June 21, 1807 British captain of the Leopard fires upon the USS

Chesapeake Claimed by accident

3 dead, 18 wounded

Jefferson’s response Banned British ships from docking in American ports Called up 100,000 militia men

3. The Embargo Act Forbade all American exports to Europe Damaging effect on American economy

1807: 108 million 1808: 22 million

4. The Non-Intercourse Act

(1809) US trades with all of Europe except for England and France

US foreign policy until 1812 Unexpected effects

New England economy booms again America looks for new industrial powers Jefferson becomes a Federalist

5. Instigation of Native Americans

William Henry Harrison persuades tribes to sign over tribal land to the US

Tecumseh asks Harrison to withdraw and appeals for British help

Battle of Tippecanoe, 1811

6. War Hawks Henry Clay (KY) – Speaker of the House

pushes for war with Great Britain

In the meantime…

American problems for the war

Unprepared military

Unprepared financially

Regional disagreements

Campaign of 1813 British take Detroit and prevent a capture of

Montreal

Perry defeats British on Lake Erie Turning point for the US

Battle of Fort McHenry

September 1814 British attack during Battle of Baltimore US successfully defends Ft. McHenry

Allows for Jackson to proceed in the South

Andrew Jackson’s Southern Campaign

Battle of New Orleans, 1815

Hartford Convention New England considers secession over

differences of opinion regarding war

Treaty of Ghent Signed 12.24.1814

Declares armistice

1815: Reopen trade 1817: Rush-Bagot Treaty 1818: Northern and Western Boundaries

secured