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The War of 1812. Unit 3: Formative Years and the War of 1812. Conflict Overview. 18 June 1812 - 17 February 1815 First formal US declaration of war Fought over abuses to US sailors and ships, as well as the acquisition of Canada War consisted of three distinct stages:
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The War of 1812 Unit 3: Formative Years and the War of 1812
Conflict Overview • 18 June 1812 - 17 February 1815 • First formal US declaration of war • Fought over abuses to US sailors and ships, as well as the acquisition of Canada • War consisted of three distinct stages: • Stage 1 (1812-early 1813):Failed Canadian Invasion • Stage 2 (1813-1814):1st US Successes and the British Blockade • Stage 3 (1814-1815):British Offensive and American Victory • Notable figures included President James Madison, Shawnee leader Tecumseh, future president Andrew Jackson, and lawyer Francis Scott Key • War ends in a stalemate with no change in territory, but with a new respect towards US sovereignty
Origins of the Conflicts • Review the Causes of the War of 1812 notes taken on Friday • Who were the war hawks and what was their perspective on war with Britain? • What role did Native Americans play in pushing the United States towards war? • Which side do you find yourself on for this conflict (Federalist or Republican)? • How might the Napoleonic Wars in Europe impact the British strategy in the War of 1812?
Early Strategies American Strategy • Capture Montreal to cut GB lines of communication in Upper Canada • Theater of Operations mainly in areas with high public support • Immediate naval invasion (disrupt commerce) British Strategy • Create blockade against American ports • Guard Upper and Lower Canada • Wait for reinforcements
American Shortcomings in The War of 1812 • The military is poorly trained and led • The U.S. navy is no match for the British navy • American forces attempt to seize Canada but are poorly led and militia forces • Americans are forced to fight a defensive war against an invading professional army • Contract system (private purchase of military supplies) logistically ineffective
Theaters of Operation • Four main ToOs: • Northern Theater (Great Lakes and Upper Canada) • Eastern Theater (New England coastline and Montreal) • Atlantic Theater (Naval blockade and warfare) • Southern Theater
Northern Theater • Successful invasion of York in 1813, but Americans soon abandon the city (not strategically important) • First major action in the Detroit area • NAs under Tecumseh defeat Americans at Fort Detroit
Northern Theater • Major naval victory against Canada in Battle of Lake Erie • Americans defeat Tecumseh and his forces at Battle of Thames • End major NA support in the north
Atlantic Theater • U.S. unusually successful against Britain early on • Most GB forces fighting against Napoleon • USS Constitution defeats HMS Guerriere • Blockade failed to stop British reserves
Southern Theater • Introduction of war hero Andrew Jackson • Mainly fighting against Creek Indians in Alabama
Coastline • British invade Chesapeake Bay in 1814 (Napoleon defeated!) • Terrible US defeat at Battle of Bladensburg • British move to burn the White House
American Victories • British initiate attack on Baltimore from sea and land • Fort McHenry defended city of Baltimore (also defended by redoubts and barricades) • September 13- Maryland militia delay invaders and cause serious casualties • GB fleet unable to fell Fort McHenry (which does serious damage to GB fleet) • Final invasion from the north occurs at the Battle of Plattsburgh; victory against GB navy halted any future attempt for invasion from Upper Canada • Victories lead to peace negotiations in city of Ghent, Belgium
The Battle of New Orleans- January 8, 1815 • Invasion of Louisiana conducted during peace talks in Ghent • Jackson attempts to cut off British • Forced to fall back to New Orleans after heavy casualties (on both sides)
Battle of New Orleans- January 8, 1815 Analyze the Battle of New Orleans from the 9 Principles
Outcome of Conflict • Treaty of Ghent (Dec. 24, 1815) • Restored relations status quo ante bellum (“state existing before war”) • Boundary lines re-affirmed (no territory changes) • Release of all prisoners and ships • Restriction of trade lifted • Both sides claimed victory (did we achieve our objective?) • Improved relations between GB and US • Ushered in Era of Good Feelings (economic prosperity and peace)
Lessons Learned • Superior U.S. artillery and engineering (military academy education) • Infantry and cavalry should be as well-trained • Sea power played instrumental role • Joint land-sea operations lead to victory in Lakes Erie and Champlain • Militiamen’s performance training and leadership (little nat’l control) • Standing army should be first line of defense • Militia, though sometimes competent, was unreliable