-
Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
Washington declared the United States was neutral and would not go to war against Great Britain or France. Despite this, Great Britain would seize American ships carrying French goods. -
Impressment of Sailors
From 1793 to 1812, Britain would seize American ships, basically kidnapping the sailers and making them a part of the British royal navy. -
Jay Treaty
Prior to the treaty, Great Britain was seizing American ships carrying French goods and taking them away, they were also still occupying forts that were part of U.S. territory, limiting Americas ability to trade. The Jay Treaty removed the British from the forts and prevented the US from going to war against the British. France viewed this treaty as the forming of an alliance between Britain and the US and began seizing ships as well, this generated fear that war was imminent. -
Washington's Farewell Address
President Washington gave his farewell address where he departed a bit of wisdom on those listening. He warned citizens to not allow political parties to divide them, at the end of the day they are all still American. He also warned them to not allow their allegiance to foreign powers to create a division among them. He hoped saying these things would inspire unity among the United States. Ironically enough, our allegiance to France would be a major factor to why we join the war against Britain. -
Chesapeake-Leopard Affair
Five British sailors left the Royal Navy and joined the crew of the USS Chesapeake. One day in June, The Chesapeake was seized by the British HMS Leopard. The British Commander asked to check the ship for deserters, when the American Commodore James Barron did not comply the Leopard opened fire, killing 3 and wounding 18 Americans. This led to an outcry for war, President Jefferson knowing America could not go to war would eventually create the Embargo Act. -
Embargo Act
The Embargo Act was an embargo placed on imports and exports in an attempt to avoid war and get Britain and France to respect Americas neutrality. The embargo was highly ineffective though, and harmed Americas economy much more than it harmed Great Britain's or France's -
Battle of Tippecanoe
General William Henry Harrison led 1,000 soldier's to destroy "Prophetstown". Tecumseh's (a prominent Shawnee chief) brother, Tenskwatawa assumed command, asking for a cease fire and a parlay. While General Harrison and his men were asleep Tenskwatawa and his warriors alongside British troops would ambush them. They would lose the battle and Tenskwatawa would die. Tecumseh-who was away recruiting warriors-would return to find ruin, prompting him to ally his forces with Great Britain. -
War Hawks
The "War Hawks" were 63 republican congressman mostly from the south and west, who advocated going to war against Great Britain. They passed legislation and had their rhetoric published in newspapers helping to incite the public and bring about a declaration of war. Some notable war hawks were Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, and Felix Grundy. They were very effective in their persuasion and were ultimately successful in getting a declaration of war. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 between Great Britain and The United States brought about great wins and losses for both sides. Towards the beginning of the war America would suffer losses at Detroit, the Niagara river, and along Lake Champlain. It wasn't until the Battle of Lake Eerie that the U.S. would win a battle against the British. One of the most notable losses that America experienced was the burning of the US capitol Washington D.C.. -
Tecumseh
Tecumseh was a Shawnee chief who hoped to unite Native American tribes in an attempt to fight back against Americans invading their land. Tecumseh allied with the British and helped them defeat American troops in a few battles. General Harrison would invade Ontario forcing Tecumseh his warriors and British troops to retreat. Eventually, Tecumseh would not retreat any further and lose his life in what would be known as the Battle of Thames. -
Hartford Convention
This was a convention held among 26 New England federalists where disdain for the War, opposition to James Madison's presidency and talks of succession were all discussed. The convention ended up calling for the abolishment of the 3/5ths compromise, altering the way states are added to the union, and preventing naturalized citizens from taking up office. The convention ultimately only amounted to some fear of secession and nothing that was suggested was ratified. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent was signed in Ghent, Belgium, by American and British representatives to end the War of 1812. It was decided that further fighting would amount to nothing. The treaty did nothing to deal with the problems that started the war in the first place: impressment and the seizing of U.S. vessels. -
Battle of New Orleans
A British fleet as well as a 10,000 man army attacked New Orleans. General Jackson led a makeshift army against the British and stopped their invasion with minimal loss.