Causes of the War of 1812

J.A.SACCO

Causes of the War of 1812

Jefferson foreign policy based on three principles: “No entangling alliances”- England principle enemy, but

Napoleon can’t be trusted. Need overseas commerce to promote agrarian dream-

hoped to keep manufacturing in Europe- Avoid concentration of wealth in U.S. and a dependent working class. Shortsighted?

Maintain peace- war creates death and destruction, as well as political disunity, crushes free speech, increases debt, and expands gov’t power.

The Napoleonic Wars-(1803-1815)

U.S. caught between Br./Fr. –wanted to remain neutral. Key to victory was to stop the others trade.

Battle of Trafalgar (1805)Lord Nelson defeats Fr/Sp fleetGives England control of the seas.

France defeats AustriaAnd Russia -Gives Napoleon control of Europe

U.S. wouldbe eventuallycaught in theMiddle!

U.S Caught in the Middle

1805- Br. -1st Orders in Council (Essex Pledge)- seize U.S. vessels trading with France

1806- U.S.- Non-Importation Agreement- forbid U.S. from importing British goods that could be bought elsewhere/or made in U.S.

1806- Br.- England begins to blockade European cost 1806- Fr.- France outlaws all trade with England 1807- Br.- Second Orders in Council- demand neutral

shipping trading in Europe must first stop in England for inspection/ licensing in British port

1807- Fr.- Milan Decree- if neutral ship follows British decrees, ship would be seized by French navy

Why is the U.S. in a dilemma?

U.S Reacts to Violations! Embargo Act (1807)

Embargo a Bust!

Believed Br/Fr need U.S. goods- force them to recognize U.S. neutrality.

Why did the Embargo Act not work? Goods smuggled by discontented New England merchants American merchants already at sea disregarded the law and

functioned as part of British merchant marine Loophole in act- allowed U.S. merchant ships to leave port to pick

up property in other nations, then remain at sea- 6,000 set sail under this excuse

Napoleon seize U.S. ships in European ports- since Embargo forbid U.S. from trading, those ships in foreign ports flying an American flag must be a British ship in disguise

Embargo a Bust!

U.S. exports(1807) $108 million/ 1808- $22 million. Unemployment increase.

The Election of 1808

James Madison wins election but Federalists gain seats in Congress and key state legislatures.

Madison Takes Control

Madison continues neutral policy of Jefferson. Repeals Embargo Act in 1809.

Madison Takes Control

• Non-Intercourse Act (1809)- just as ineffective as Embargo Act

• Macon’s Bill #2 (1810)- tried to play one nation against the other.

Napoleon sets a trap. Says he will repeal his decrees. U.S. gives a chance for Britain to repeal its Orders in Council.Not wanting to fight both France and the U.S., Britain compliesbut too late. U.S. declares war on Britain.

War with Britain- A Second Time

Why was war with Britain a greater possibility than with France?Democratic-Republicans historically anti-British.Violation U.S. neutrality.

War with Britain- A Second Time

• Impressment of U.S. sailors

6,000 Americans impressed between 1803-1812.

War with Britain- A Second Time

• “The Chesapeake Affair” (1807)

Looking for British deserters HMS Leopard fires on Chesapeake. 3K/18W. Then boarded and got four deserters.

War with Britain- A Second Time

• Native-American resistance led by Tecumseh. U.S. felt Tecumseh and his confederation being aided by British to stir up trouble on the frontier. Tecumseh flees to Canada after Battle of Tippecanoe (1811). Victory by Gen. William Henry Harrison.

Tecumseh- Shawnee chief

War with Britain- A Second Time

Henry Clay-(KY) John C. Calhoun- (SC)

• War Hawks wanted U.S. expansion in Florida and Canada. End Indian resistance and monopolize fur trade. Control Florida would end Spanish influence, remove border disputes, and end refuge for runaway slave.