Factors That Led To The War Of 1812

Three main factors that contributed to the War of 1812 were Britain’s encouragement of the ideals of the Indian Tecumseh, Britain’s attacks on American ships, and Britain’s impressment of American sailors. Key events of the war included both losses and victories for the United States, ranging from Britain’s burning of the White House to America’s success in the famous Battle of New Orleans. Although the war ended without resolution of the issues that started it, it provided America with honor, pride, and worldwide acknowledgement of its power. The Indian’s refusal to assimilate with the American civilization and their support from Britain was one of the factors leading to the War of 1812. Thomas Jefferson had already been a supporter of the

During the war, each country placed a blockade against the other for trade with the United States. Because of the blockade, Britain’s Royal Navy attacked American ships and captured 6,000 sailors. Jefferson believed that commerce of the United States should not be governed by either of these countries. In reaction, he turned to using trade as a weapon by banning American ships from trading with any country. This embargo barely affected Britain and France, but it devastated the United States and angered those who depended on trade. In 1809, Jefferson altered the ban, allowing trade with every country except Britain and France. Jefferson left office in 1809 and James Madison became the next president. Under Madison, the embargo was lifted and France stopped attacking American ships, however Britain continued to attack and force American sailors into their military. In 1812, Madison put the embargo against Britain back into place. When President James Madison was made aware that the militant actions taken by Tecumseh were encouraged by Britain, along with Britain’s continuation of attacks on American ships and the impressment of America sailors, he realized that war was inevitable to maintain the freedom of the United States. The war was supported by a group of congressmen lead by John C. Calhoun and Henry Clay, known as the War Hawks, who were very

Britain held off American invasions of Canada and imposed a blockade to cut off supplies to America. After Britain defeated Napoleon in 1814, they turned their attention towards the United States where they seized Washington, D.C., and burn down the White House. The United States then had a series of surprising naval victories, including the successful defeats of the British warship Guerriere in August 1812 and of six British warships on Lake Erie, in 1813, by a fleet of nine American ships led by Commodore Oliver H. Perry. Britain also made an attack on Baltimore, but Fort McHenry successfully resisted the bombardment. Throughout the war, Americans produced significant victories over the Indians, who fought on Britain's side, but the key victory against the Indians was, in 1813, at the Battle of Thames, when Tecumseh and his Indian force were defeated by a force led by William Henry Harrison. The greatest victory for the United States was in New Orleans in January 1815. Andrew Jackson had recruited many African Americans into his army, promising them payment and land which gave his force enough power to hold off an invasion of British troops. The Treaty of Ghent had been signed before this battle took place, but it did not reach America until after the battle. The treaty did not mention shipping rights, impressment, or territory exchange. It was simply a treaty