Chapter 5, Section 4
The War of 1812
Part 1
p. 201-205
Although the War of 1812 does not
completely resolve British-American
disputes, many Americans consider the
war a victory.
5.4 SECTION FOCUS QUESTION:
What were the causes and effects of the
War of 1812?
Neutrality no longer working
• First presidents worked
hard to avoid war:
1. Washington – Jay’s
Treaty & advice: avoid
war
2. Adams – treaty with
Napoleon
3. Jefferson – Embargo
Act
• England still disrespects
U.S.:
– Impressments
– Still arming Native
Americans in NW
Tecumseh’s Dream Destroyed
• Resists American
encroachment
• Builds confederation
of Native American
tribes
• Battle of Tippecanoe
increases hostilities
– Prophetstown rebuilt
• Joins with British
– Helps take Ft. Detroit
– Refuses offer to
become General in
British Army
• Killed in 1813 at the
Battle of the Thames
The Move Toward War
• 1809 – Madison 4th President
– England still arming Native
Americans & impressing U.S.
sailors
“WAR HAWKS”
• nationalism grows in America
– pride in one’s country
• Henry Clay of Kentucky & John
Calhoun of South Carolina =
leaders of the war hawks
– those eager for war with Britain
Henry Clay
“Won’t go away”
• June 1812 - Congress declares
WAR on England!
• New England strongly
opposes war. Why?
– It would hurt trade.
John C. Calhoun
“States Rights!”
1812 DEBATE:
War or Peace
• HAWKS – reasons to
• DOVES – how war
declare war:
• Explain what U.S. would
gain by waging war with
England.
would harm U.S.:
• Explain why fighting
England would be a bad
idea.