War Of 1812 Political And Economic Causes Essay

The War of 1812 that lasted two and a half years was great battle between the United States and Great Britain that had numerous political and economic causes and consequences and ultimately defined James Madison's presidency. This conflict consisted of many battles, major leaders, and events that led to peace. It all began when "violation of neutrality led the Congress to enact a ban on trade" with the Embargo and Non-Intercourse Act ( page 241). British began the practice of impressing American citizens and navy ships. For a six year period to 1810, Great Britain had impressed thousands of U.S. mariners. Not only were the British targeting these civilians and ships, they began inciting and aiding the Native American population to fight the

Later, in 1808, Republican James Madison became the 4th president of the United States of America. Madison was indeed outraged by the British but was faced with the challenge of continuing the trade "war" begun by the previous president, Thomas Jefferson. By late 1811 the War Hawks in Congress were putting more and more pressure on Madison and he became the first president to ask Congress to declare war. On June 18th, 1812, Congress approved of the war and established the second war for independence for America. Although, the Congress had just approved of the war, Great Britain voted to stop impressment but by the time the news reaches Washington D.C it's too late and the war commences( War of 1812 Video).Later, he was elected to a second term and began serving as the commander in chief for this war. When the war began the U.S. had no real navy and Great Britain had hundreds of ships. Despite their size the U.S. beat Britain in many duels. Americans hope to follow through with the consecutive victories from sea but battles along the Canadian border failed except for at Lake Eerie. At Lake Erie, the British

Now even more reinforced, the British sail to Baltimore, Maryland where Americans refuse to surrender Fort McHenry. During this, Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star Spangled Banner” while watching the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor and seeing the Americans strength (War of 1812 Video). After these attacks, British move to New Orleans for the final battle of the War of 1812. Even though the army is outnumbered by the British, the U.S have the advantage since it is their home field (War of 1812 Video).Commanded by Andrew Jackson, British were cut down by terrifying speed and suffered over 2,000 casualties while the Americans only had about 70 casualties.Again, with slow communication, "the U.S. stated peace talk in Ghent, Belgium" ( War of 1812 Video) and Jackson was not informed soon enough about it. This became the Treaty of Ghent signed on December 24, 1814, ending the War of