Background:
- Tensions between the United States and Great Britain over trade restrictions, impressment of American sailors, and British support for Native American resistance in the Northwest Territory.
Causes:
- British impressment of American sailors and seizure of American ships.
- American desire to expand westward into British-controlled Canada.
- British alliance with Native American tribes opposing American expansion.
Key Events:
- Invasion of Canada (1812): American failure to capture Montreal.
- Battle of Bladensburg (1814): British capture and burning of Washington, D.C.
- Battle of New Orleans (1815): American victory under General Andrew Jackson.
- The Treaty of Ghent was already signed, but it hadn’t made it back home yet. So we won the battle, and the treaty made it to the US a few months after
- People thought we won because of this timing
Groups and People Involved:
- United States:
- President James Madison
- General Andrew Jackson
- Tecumseh (Native American leader)
- Great Britain:
- Prime Minister George Canning
- General Isaac Brock
- Native American Tribes:
- Shawnee
- Creek
- Cherokee
Lasting Impact:
- Strengthened American nationalism: The war fostered a sense of unity and pride among Americans.
- We thought we won because we won the Battle of New Orleans, and a few months later the signed treaty(signed before the battle) finally made it to the US
- Expansion of American territory: The United States gained control of the Northwest Territory and strengthened its claim to the Florida Territory.
- Weakening of Native American resistance: The war undermined Native American alliances with the British and weakened their resistance to American expansion.
- Increased military preparedness: The war led to the establishment of the Coast Guard and the Military Academy at West Point.
- Diplomatic resolution: The Treaty of Ghent (1814) ended the war and restored pre-war boundaries.
- Rise of Andrew Jackson: The war made Jackson a national hero and paved the way for his presidency.
- Era of Good Feelings: The post-war period was characterized by economic prosperity and political harmony.