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Impressment of Sailors
The American ships were being taken by the British, who then imprisoned the sailors and forced them into the British navy, which sparked the start of the War of 1812. The United States objected to the British action because it violated American rights by removing the sailors from the nation and making them British servants. This was among the factors that led to the US declaring war against the British. -
Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
George Washington issued this proclamation because he believed that the country would be best served by remaining neutral during the conflict between France and Great Britain. Washington was aware that the United States lacked the forces, finances, and resources necessary to fight another war. -
Jay Treaty
John Jay wrote the Jay Treaty in an effort to bring about peace between the United States and Great Britain. To negotiate the treaty, Washington sent Jay to Great Britain. The British were arming the Native Americans, impressing American sailors, and refusing to leave western forts or American territory. Despite its intended purpose, the Jay Treaty didn't resolve these issues. It was ratified only because it was the only alternative to preventing war. -
Washington’s Farewell Address
Washington suggested that no permanent ties should be formed with other countries in his Farewell Address. Since he was aware that forming alliances with other countries could lead the US to aid other foreign countries who were at war, he sought to avoid doing this at all costs. Due to the United States' opposition to war. -
Chesapeake-Leopard Affair
A naval confrontation between the British warship HMS Leopard and the American warship USS Chesapeake, where the British forcibly boarded the Chesapeake, killing three Americans and impressing four sailors. This caused a surge in anti-British and resentment towards the British which is a major factor leading the Embargo Act of 1807 and growing calls for war with Britain. -
Embargo Act 1807
A law passed by Congress under President Thomas Jefferson prohibiting American ships from trading with foreign ports, particularly Britain and France, in an attempt to persuade them to respect American's neutrality. The embargo was disaster to the American economy, especially for merchants and traders. It was widely unpopular and led to increased domestic opposition. It failed to change British or French policies and instead increased tensions within the U.S. -
Tecumseh Forms a Confederation
Tecumseh, a Shawnee chief, began forming a confederation of Native American tribes to resist U.S. expansion into the Northwest Territory. Tecumseh's efforts to unite various tribes under a common cause were seen as a direct threat by American settlers and the U.S. government, who were concerned about British support for Tecumseh's confederation. This resistance increased tensions and was a factor in the U.S. decision to go to war. -
War Hawks
A group of young, nationalist members of Congress, including Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, who advocated for war against Britain. The War Hawks were crucial in pushing the United States into war with Britain, arguing that military action was required to maintain the integrity of America, secure national borders, and protect naval sovereignty. -
War of 1812 Begins
The US declared war on Britain, because of alleging impressment, interference with American shipping, and British assistance for Native American attacks on the frontier. The war tested America's ability to maintain its sovereignty and express its rights on a global scale. It also exposed regional differences and opposing viewpoints on foreign policy. -
Battle of Tippecanoe
A battle between American forces led by Governor William Henry Harrison of the Indiana Territory and Native American warriors associated with Tecumseh's confederation. The battle was seen as a significant setback for Tecumseh's confederation. While Harrison claimed a tactical victory, it fueled further hostilities and reinforced American beliefs that Britain was encouraging Native American resistance. -
Hartford Convention
A series of meetings held by New England Federalists to discuss grievances about the War of 1812 and propose constitutional amendments. Some viewed the convention as disloyal, and it contributed to the decline of the Federalist Party, which was thought to be out of touch with national interests. -
Treaty of Ghent
The treaty that ended the War of 1812 restored its ties and territory to the state prior to the war without addressing the concerns of impressment or neutral maritime rights. The treaty ended the war without resolving many of the concerns that had sparked it, but it did restore peace and provide the framework for better relations between the United States and Britain. -
Battle of New Orleans
This American victory, fought after the Treaty of Ghent had been signed but not yet ratified, it raised public morale and promoted Andrew Jackson to the reputation of national hero. It strengthened the belief that the United States had won the war, regardless of the lack of territorial gains and resolution of pre-war disputes.