Who: Americans vs. Britains
President James Madison (first president to ask congress to declare war)
War hawks- members of congress who believed the only answer to Britain’s insults was
to declare war; believed war would provide an opportunity to increase size of the nation;
also believed Britain was trying to prevent the us from becoming a powerful nation; led
by Henry Clay and John c Calhoun
Britain was in main conflict with napoleon
General Andrew Jackson American side his army consisted of anyone who he could talk
into fighting although most didn’t want to fight the battle at new Orleans more frightened
of Jackson then the British 4,000 solders faced more then 10000 British soldiers saved
new Orleans
British general Henry Proctor
Britain and Indian allies
General Harrison American side
Andrew Jackson
What: Britain was in main conflict with napoleon which blockaded American coastline
which haltered bound for France.
Impressments (kidnapping)
May 11 1812 we declared war on Britain
1814 Britain defeated napoleon then turned attention to us
Shipped reinforcements to America
British marched to washing dc and burned the capital and the white house down
(humiliating moment)
President Madison fled to the country side
2 causes of war vanished at this point. (Napoleon and seizing ships)
December 24 1814 ended war by signing treaty because neither side could gain an
advantage signed in modern day Belgium (gent)
Before they found out the treaty they fought their biggest battle at New Orleans
Under pressure from war hawks congress declares war against Britain
Why: Interfering with trade on sea
In sighting Indian attacks on the frontier.
Tried removing seamen from US merchant vessels and then forcing them to serve for
Britain
When: 1812
Where: fought at sea along the Canadian border
Great Lakes
Atlantic Ocean
Some at the east coast
Fought war at sea and won against the British Guerri(accent e)re
Captain Oliver Hazard Perry won a victory for the American side at the battle of Lake
Erie
American side won at the Battle of the Thames leader was General Harrison
Britain was led by Tecumseh which died in the battle of the Thames which weakened the
Indian British alliance around the great lakes
Battle of Horseshoe bend was a victory for Andrew Jackson (United States)
Britain hoped to capture and take control of the Mississippi river
Andrew Jackson was in command of the forces in New Orleans
Troops at new Orleans consisted of a mix of regular soldiers state militia and a group led
by pirate jean Lafitte
Signed peace treaty two weeks before the New Orleans war began
Results: Signed treaty of Ghent which leaded to the “era of good feelings”
Boosted national self-confidence and encouraged expansion
Very little changed because of the war no new lands were gained or lost
Around 24000 American and British solders died
Forgot they fought the war and went back to how they were before they even started
fighting
Looked at the war as prosperous
All conquered territory was restored
Found no solutions to the problems of impressments or trade embargoes
Treaty of Ghent: singed in Belgium on December 24, 1814.
All conquered territory was restored
Found no solutions to the problems of impressments or trade embargoes
Relief for two nations tired of war
Both sides agreed that future negotiation could address the remaining issues once there
was peace.
For the United States the war of 1812 was a narrow escape from potential disaster.
However the fact that the young nation had stood up to the mighty British opponent
inspired a sense of pride among many Americans
Facts:
 The war of 1812 was fought between the Americans and the British along with
their Indian allies.
 We declared war on Britain because of interference with trade and impressments
of American sailors. (Coming onto American ships and taking men, then forcing
them to work on the British side)
 We fought battles on land, in the Great Lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean.
 During the war, Britain burned down the capital building and the White House.
The ones we have today are actually the second of each.
 The treat of Ghent was singed on December 24, 1814 in Belgium. This is what
ended the war.
http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=235419 (43-30)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WS7uz-CnK4Q