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New Governor of Indiana Territory
William Henry Harrison is appointed to be the governor of the Indiana Territory by Jefferson. His main purpose was to enforce the proposed solution to the "Indian problem". He either had to help assimilate them into white culture or get them to move west of the Mississippi. He was seen as successful, yet contradictory since he was taking Indian lands, but also looking out for the Indians at the same time. -
The Napoleonic Wars
The Napoleonic Wars caused great tension in Europe, and both Britain and France did not want the United States to be involved in trade with the other. The United States wanted to stay neutral in the conflict. However, this was nearly impossible as American ships in the Atlantic were in constant risk of being captured or seized by the British or French. Many Americans fell victim to “impressment” by the British at this time. -
The Chesapeake-Leopard incident
Although it wasn’t legal to take Americans and force them into British service, the British still impressed many native-born Americans. An incident took place in which a British ship wanted to search a US ship for deserters. When the request was refused, the British began firing and took four people from the US ship. Americans were furious and demanded that the British completely stop using impressment. While they attempted to compensate for the incident, they continued to impress. -
The Embargo
To avoid war with the British and French and to prevent another Chesapeake-Leopard incident, Congress enacted the Embargo. This act denied US ships the ability to access foreign ports. While safe from impressment, the economy suffered greatly and an economic depression arose. Many jobs in the Northeastern US, such as merchants and shipowners, relied on being able to trade with foreign nations. This was very devastating as the US had one of the world’s most important merchant marines. -
The Non-Intercourse Act
Just before leaving office, Jefferson replaced the Embargo with the Non-Intercourse Act. This act allowed the United States to trade with all foreign nations with the exception of Britain and France. -
Congressional Election
Voters from the north and south borders of the U.S. elected representatives from both the Democratic-Republicans and the Federalists who were eager to wage a war with Britain. These people became known as war hawks and helped President Madison in the decision for war. They were mainly opposed to Britain's support of the Indian raids and impressment. The first session of the elections saw Henry Clay, a passionate nationalist, become the Speaker of the House. -
Macon's Bill No. 2
In 1810, Congress passed Macon’s Bill No. 2 to replace the Non-Intercourse Act. This act stated that the United States would continue trade with whichever country agreed to trade without interfering with US ships and continue to embargo against the other country. This pinned Britain and France against one another, but it was Napoleon who accepted the conditions first. The US threatened Britain that they would begin their embargo against them in 1811 if they didn’t accept their conditions. -
War Fever in West Florida
American settlers seized the Spanish fort at Baton Rouge and asked the federal government to annex the captured territory to the U.S.. President Madison agreed and began a plan to take the rest of Florida. The desire to have Florida became another motivation for war with Great Britain since they were allied with Spain. A defeat against the British could lead to an agreement with Spain. -
Battle of Tippecanoe
Tecumseh left Prophetstown to try to persuade other tribes to join an alliance, but Harrison's army was camped near the town. Despite Tecumseh's warning not to fight, Prophet believed the bullets could not hurt them, and he attacked. The white forces suffered great casualties, but the Indians' spirit was crushed. The natives were driven away and Harrison's forces burned the town. -
Declaration of War
The war hawks continued to put pressure on President Madison, who wanted to maintain peace. However, he was worried about American trade, and with pushes from Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun and a restless congress he declared war on Great Britain. -
Put-in-Bay
The Americans were able to take command of Ontario, which allowed them to raid the capital of Canada. Oliver Hazard Perry helped seize Lake Erie from the British, which created an opportunity to invade Canada through Detroit. -
Battle of the Thames
American commander William Henry Harrison went through upper Canada and defeated the Native Americans at the Battle of Thames, in which Tecumseh was also killed. This evidently weakened the Natives and they were no longer able to defend their land. -
Battle at Horseshoe Bend
Andrew Jackson set off to pursue the Creeks, who had been attacking white settlers near Florida. Jackson and his men brutally killed Indian men, women, and children, and they finally agreed to cede and go farther west. -
The British Invasion
British troops entered Washington and set fire to the White House. They proceeded to go towards Baltimore, but Fort McHenry was prepared to defend it. The British eventually withdrew. -
Battle of New Orleans
A group of British veterans prepared to attack New Orleans. Andrew Jackson and an unorganized group of people of mixed ethnicities and professions awaited them. They were able to hold off the British who eventually retreated. A peace treaty had already been signed weeks before.
