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Jay Treaty
The Jay Treaty, signed on November 19, 1794, between the United States and Great Britain, sought to address post-Revolutionary War issues, including trade disputes, British military presence in the Northwest Territory, and unresolved debts. This Treaty was plagued from the start, being that Jay had little to no diplomatic leverage whatsoever, and was forced to make many compromises that primarily favored the British and gave America barely anything valuable. This treaty was widely disliked. -
Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
On April 22, 1793, President George Washington issued a proclamation declaring the United States' neutrality in the conflict between Britain and revolutionary France. This announcement aimed to keep the young nation out of the ongoing European wars and to prevent foreign entanglements. -
Washington's Farewell Address
On September 17, 1796, President George Washington delivered his Farewell Address, a written message to the American people upon his retirement from the presidency. In it, he emphasized the importance of national unity, warned against the dangers of political factionalism, and advised against permanent foreign alliances. -
Chesapeake-Leopard Affair
On June 22, 1807, the British warship HMS Leopard fired on the USS Chesapeake off the coast of Virginia. The incident arose from the rejected British demand to search the American ship for deserters, leading to casualties and strained U.S.-British relations. This attack highlighted the British disregard for American freedom and life, and increased anti-British sentiment within America, leading up to the upcoming conflict. -
Embargo Act 1807
Enacted on December 22, 1807, the Embargo Act was a controversial law that prohibited American ships from engaging in foreign trade, aiming to protect American interests and punish Britain and France for attacking and stealing American, ships, sailors, and trade goods. This ultimately ended up backfiring and hurting the American people, becoming a large detriment to the economy, and inspiring large-scale smuggling of goods. -
Tecumseh
Tecumseh, an influential Shawnee leader born around 1768 and who died in 1813, emerged as a significant figure in Native American resistance against American expansion. He aimed to unite various Native American tribes to form a confederation that could defend their lands and cultures against the expanding American settlements. -
War Hawks
The term "War Hawks" referred to a group of young Congress members in the early 19th century who advocated for aggressive policies towards Britain. They were extremely nationalist and believed that immediate military action should be taken against the British and their North American influence. They were a main component in the calling for war and pushed for policies that supported the upcoming War of 1812. -
The Impressment of Sailors
The practice of impressment, employed by the British, involved the forcible enlistment of American sailors into the Royal Navy. This process usually involved the seizing of American ships and taking crew members, mostly through violent means like kidnapping. This led to a deep anti-British sentiment within the Americas and served as a major catalyst for the upcoming War of 1812. -
War of 1812 Begins
The War of 1812, spanning from 1812 to 1815, was a conflict between the United States and Britain, fueled by maritime disputes, trade restrictions, British support for Native American resistance, and the ongoing practice of impressment. This war marked the start of the American struggle for the protection of its rights and interests against foreign powers. -
Death of Tecumseh
Tecumseh, the Native American Shawnee leader, died during the Battle of the Thames on October 5, 1813. The battle was a significant engagement in the War of 1812, where British and Native American forces, including those led by Tecumseh, faced American troops. During the battle, Tecumseh was killed, which significantly impacted the coordination of the Native American resistance. This death led to the weakening of British-Native American relations. -
Hartford Convention
The Hartford Convention, held between December 15, 1814, and January 5, 1815, brought together Federalist delegates from New England states to discuss their grievances against the War of 1812. Concerns included economic hardships, political influence, and perceived violations of their rights by the federal government. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent, signed on December 24, 1814, marked the end of the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain. Negotiated in the Belgian city of Ghent, the treaty aimed to restore pre-war boundaries and settle numerous issues between the two nations. This treaty marked the continuous peace between the two nations, lasting from 1814 to the present day. -
Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans fought on January 8, 1815, was a decisive engagement during the War of 1812 (even though the war had already ended). American forces, commanded by General Andrew Jackson, successfully repelled a British assault on the city of New Orleans, boosting American morale and securing Andrew Jackson's reputation as a respected military leader. This conflict occurred due to the delay in communications that the War of 1812 had ended and the Treaty of Ghent had been signed.