Causes of The War of 1812

1. Causes of The War of 1812 The Second War of American Independence

2. Time to be neutral… or not. • 1803 Napoleonic Wars begin in Europe • 1805 British Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson’s fleet won @ Trafalgar. …Brits rule the sea. • Battle of Austerlitz… France rules the land. • Nothing to do with America until… • 1806 Orders in Council • Any foreign (U.S.) ship headed for France must check in at a British port first for inspection. • France said… yeah, about that, no. • America stuck in the middle.

3. Impressment… again. • 6,000+ US Naval men and other merchants “impressed” by the British. • Knock’em out and drag’em off. • Leopard v. Chesapeake • 1807 British Leopard demanded men, fired on and damaged US Chesapeake • British apologized but it was… to late. • Most wanted a War with Britain… Jefferson waited.

4. Jefferson's Downfall… • Jefferson knew that a naval showdown was coming and he felt the only way to halt it was through an Embargo. • Embargo Act of 1807 • Forbid ALLexports to ALLnations. • Wonderful in theory, horrible in effect. • Effected New Englanders the most. • Smuggling issues • Little effect on South.

5. James Madison: 4th President • A student of history and government • well-read in law • he participated in the framing of the Virginia Constitution in 1776 • served in the Continental Congress, and was a leader in the Virginia Assembly. • Father of the US Constitution • Short man, appeared old and worn Madison Biography

6. Macon’s Bill #2 • Embargo Act 1807 not successful… well duh. • Macon’s Bill #2 proposed to allow trade with other nations but also to exclusively reinstate trade with either England or France, whichever one pledged to drop its trade restrictions. • Napoleon pounced on this opportunity and promised to drop restrictions and open trade with the U.S. • Madison smelled some dishonesty but was trapped in his own proposal.

7. Out with the Old… • In 1811… Congress was different. • Younger men had ousted older "submission men." • The young Congressmen were from the West and South, and were fiery-tempered. • The were called "War Hawks" since they pushed for war. • Most noteworthy of these War Hawks was Henry Clay, • a young Kentuckian, named Speaker of the House at age 34.

8. Tecumseh and the Prophet • The War Hawks • Wanted the Indians cleared out of the west (the Ohio Valley) so whites could settle there without fear. • Indian opposition was led by Shawnee brothers Tecumseh and the Prophet. • They encouraged traditional Indian clothes and culture, • Urged Indians to not give up or sell their lands. • Organized a coalition of Indians (which was very unusual)

9. Battle of Tippecanoe • November of 1811 Indiana governor William Henry Harrison attacked and defeated the Shawnee at the Battle of Tippecanoe. • The Prophet was killed. • This battle made William Henry Harrison a national hero and earned him the nickname of "Tippecanoe.“ • The battle also turned Tecumseh to join the British. • Notably, two years later William Henry Harrison would also kill Tecumseh during the War of 1812.

10. Mr. Madison’s War • By 1812, war was seen as inevitable. • Madison asked Congress to declare war on England and they did in June of 1812.

11. Mr. Madison’s War • "Why did America go to War in 1812?"… • “Freedom of the seas” —The U.S. wanted the right to sail and trade without fear. • The possibility of land —The U.S. might gain Canada or Florida. • To resolve Indian issues —Americans were still upset about British guns being giving to Indians (Battle of Fallen Timbers) and Indian attacks on the frontier. • We wanted to make a major statement. – America would have to be considered as an equal amongst other nations, rather than a scrawny upstart. This is why the War of 1812 is often called the "Second War for American Independence."