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The War of 1812. CAUSES. Conflict in Europe. Britain and France began another conflict – Napoleonic Wars 1806 – France excluded British goods from Europe Great Britain decided to retaliate by blockading Europe’s coasts. Aggression Extends towards US.
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The War of 1812 CAUSES
Conflict in Europe • Britain and France began another conflict – Napoleonic Wars • 1806 – France excluded British goods from Europe • Great Britain decided to retaliate by blockading Europe’s coasts
Aggression Extends towards US • By 1807 Britain had seized more than 1,000 American ships, confiscated their cargoes • France had seized about ½ that number of US ships SO WHO DO WE VIEW AS THE BIGGER THREAT?
Impressment • Most of American anger focused on British • British would seize US citizens from ships and force them into the British “Navy” known as impressment.
Chesapeake Incident • June 1807 – commander of a British Warship demanded the right to board and search the US naval frigate for British deserters • When US captain refused, British opened fire • Killed 3, wounded 18 Americans
Jefferson’s Reaction • Convinced Congress to pass Embargo of 1807 • hurt Britain and other European powers to convince them to honor American neutrality • Hurt US economy, so Congress lifted embargo in 1809.
Madison’s Non-Intercourse Act • Re-opened trade with all nations, except GB and France • 1810, expired Non-Intercourse and passed Macon’s Bill No. 2 – reopened trade, but President had power to prohibit commerce if continued to be belligerent • Napoleon stopped, so only put Embargo on Britain
Conflict with Natives over Westward Expansion • Shawnee chief Tecumseh began organizing fights against expanding white settlers • In 1811, Tecumseh’s brother was defeated at the Battle of Tippecanoe by Governor of Illinois, William Henry Harrison • Found out Native Americans were fighting with arms from British Canada • War Hawks called for declaration of War
War Hawks • Southern and Western young congressman who pushed for war • What could they gain? • MORE LAND John C. Calhoun of South Carolina Henry Clay of Kentucky
James Madison Declares War • Elected in 1808, Republican from VA • By 1812, decided to go to war • Felt Britain was trying to strangle American trade and cripple US economy • Congress approved war early June 1812