War of 1812

1. War of 1812 The Second War for American Independence

2. 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."

3. The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly • The Bad • Canada- “Naïve ambition” • Attack on three different fronts. • Detroit, Niagara, Lake Champlain • Americans attacked… American’s Lost • Hindsight: • Should have just focused on Montreal • Better military leaders

4. The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly • The Ugly • Chesapeake Bay Area: • Bladensburg • 6,000 + British Troops • Largest land invasion on US soil = Easy Win. • March on Washington • Capitol burned to the ground (including White House & Capital Building) • Dolly Madison saves valuables including portrait of George Washington. • British only occupy for one day. • Madison seen as a wimp.

5. The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly • The Good • Battle of the Thames • William Henry Harrison kills Tecumseh • Lake Champlain/Hudson River • Cpt. Thomas MacDonough • Halted British plan to take New York and separate New England. • Baltimore & Fort McHenry • Frances Scott Key & Star Spangled Banner

6. O say can you see…

7. Treaty of Ghent • Americans and Brits meet in Ghent, Belgium. • At first, British were prideful and had high demands. • Indian Buffer Zone to ensure little to no western expansion. • After MacDonough and Ft. McHenry Victories… humility sets in. • Treaty signed on Christmas Eve 1814 • Treaty stated that both sides would lay down arms and no land or property given or taken. • The Issue of Impressment was not even mentioned.

8. What about the Federalist? • The Effect of War on New England • New Englanders “hotly” against the war… Why? • The Blue Light Special • Hartford Convention • Goal was to decide what to do about the war. • Some wanted secession. • Officially called for Monetary help from Washington • Required 2/3 vote for an embargo, a new State, and or War. • The Federalist become “Just a bunch of crybabies…”

9. Into the South • Andrew Jackson • Fought the Indians in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend and won • Mosaic Army – combination of 7,000 Sailors, soldiers, pirates, Frenchmen, militiamen, and black troops… unheard of. • Battle of New Orleans • British have 8,000 over confident soldiers against Jackson’s 7,000 misfits. • Jackson wins in January 1815– Battle seen as the deciding factor of the war. • But wait… didn’t we already sign the Peace Treaty?

10. Rush – Bagot Agreement • Canada (a British Colony) felt let down by England. • 1817 US and England signed agreement that: • Limited naval power of both sides on the great lakes. • Established the worlds longest unfortified border (5,527 miles) between the US and Canada.

11. R.E.s.p.e.c.t. • At the end of the day: • The War of 1812 was about America gaining respect in the international theater. • The Federalist were all but done. • New “War Heroes” – Jackson & Harrison (future Presidents) • New surge of Nationalism & Patriotism • National Unity was at it’s highest point. • Time to look West…