Creating a Nation - End of the War of 1812 (Handout)
- 1814 both sides tired and at a stalemate
- Britain was focusing most of its military energy on the conflict with Napoleonic
France which prevented them from devoting its full military strength to a war with the U.S.
- Once Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo, the U.S. became wary that Brit. May turn their full attention to resuming the conflict in North America.
- Britain on the other hand had grown weary of war and was actually anxious for peace.
- Both sides were motivated to negotiate peace and on December 24, 1814 –
Treaty of Ghent was signed to end the war and restored the “status quo ante
bellum” (Latin for “The way things were before the war.”)
- Status quo – no territory gained or lost but it symbolically represented a formal recognition by Britain of the full independence of the United States.
- Pride in British Canadian Nation begins
- Before the word of the Treaty of Ghent reached North America, a final battle was fought at the Battle of New Orleans 1815 – led by future president, Andrew
Jackson
The Battle of New
Orleans
Despite being outnumbered, Jackson’s force achieved total victory.
British casualties numbered more than 2,000 – including
700 killed – while American casualties numbered fewer than 20. The victory transformed Jackson into a national hero and provided an appropriate patriotic conclusion to a war designed to demonstrate
American nationhood.
1) The War of 1812 was provoked by Westerners (The War Hawks), who were eager to expand the territory of the United States
2) During the war, the British relied heavily on Indian allies, who believed a British victory would check the incursion of settlers into Indian lands.
3) The War of 1812, ended by the Treaty of Ghent, was effectively a draw, restoring the “status quo ante bellum.”
4) Although the war brought great hardship to the United States, it ultimately reinforced the bonds of national unity.

Dolley Madison’s Flight from the White House
In August of 1814, Dolley Madison, wife of President James Madison, wrote to her sister from the White House as British soldiers marched toward Washington, D.C. during the War of 1812. Eventually the British captured the national capital and set fire to the White House and other public buildings. This was the most humiliating defeat in a war that saw few victories for the Americans.
As you read, think about:
1.
Why did Dolley Madison have to leave Washington?
2.
What delayed Dolley’s departure?
Tuesday, August 23, 1813.
My Husband left me yesterday morning to join General Winder. He inquired anxiously whether I had courage or firmness to remain in the President’s house until his return on the morrow, or succeeding day, and on my assurance that I had no fear but for him, and the success of our army, he left, beseeching me to take care of myself, and of the
Cabinet papers, public and private. I have since received two despatches from him, written with a pencil. The last is alarming, because he desires I should be ready at a moment’s warning to enter my carriage, and leave the city; that the enemy seemed stronger than had at first been reported, and it might happen that they would reach the city with the intention of destroying it. I am accordingly ready; I have pressed as many
Cabinet papers into trunks as to fill one carriage; our private property must be sacrificed, as it is impossible to procure wagons for its transportation. I am determined not to go myself until I see Mr.
Madison safe, so that he can accompany me, as I hear of much hostility towards him…
Wednesday morning, twelve o’clock.
Since sunrise I have been turning my spy-glass to every direction, and watching with unwearied anxiety, hoping to discover the approach of my dear husband and his friends; but alas I can descry only groups of military, wandering in all directions, as if there was a lack of arms, or of spirit to fight for their own fireside.
Three o’clock.
Will you believe it, my sister? We have had a battle, or skirmish, near Bladensburg, and here I am still, within sound of the cannon!
Mr. Madison comes not. May God protect us! Two messengers, covered with dust, come to bid me fly; but here I mean to wait for him…At this late hour a wagon has been procured, and I have had it filled with plate and the most valuable portable articles, belonging to the house. Whether it will reach its destination, the “Bank of
Maryland,” or fall into the hands of British soldiery, events must determine.
Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.
1) What did Dolley Madison take with her when she left the White House?
2) What might have happened if Mrs. Madison had not left in time?
3) How would you describe Dolley Madison’s character?