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Impressment of Sailors
Beginning in 1793 and lasting until 1812 (though this was present over the years leading up to this), the British would take sailors from US ships and put them into their army to fight against the French. This was one of the leading factors that led the United States to declare war against Britain. It also caused the Embargo Act because the States lost over 15,000 soldiers while on trade routes overseas. -
Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
Wanting to stay out of war and trouble, Washington came up with this proclamation as a means to prevent anything such as this from occurring. He mentioned that the country should keep itself and its own development rather than mainly focusing on foreign territories. Though many believe that this ruined the States' strong alliance with France, others think that it was wise to not allow the country to participate in the conflict between the French and the British. -
Jay Treaty
Signed as an attempt to cover what the Treaty of Paris did not, the Jay Treaty was between US Ambassador John Jay and the leader of England at the time. Though this helped the States keep their neutrality with Britain, France did not appreciate them making a Treaty with their enemy, thus weakening their once-stronger alliance. This also failed to fix the trading issues, only causing more troubles between the two nations. -
Washington's Farewell Address
Marking the end of his time in office, Washington released this statement as a way to let the nation know to keep going in the right direction, and not let any issues concerning foreign nations or differing political opinions drive them apart. He claimed that the citizens of the country were more alike than different, and if they kept this in mind the nation would continue to improve and thrive. -
Chesapeake-Leopard Affair
An American ship, the USS Chesapeake, transporting weapons and consisting of sailors and other US citizens, was cornered by a British ship, the Leopard. When they entered and demanded that they search for anyone who had escaped their Navy and were denied, more of their ships came up and started attacking. In the end, the British injured over eighteen and killed five of the Americans onboard the ship, leaving with the people they were looking for that had escape their Navy. -
Embargo Act
Because England was at war with France and already on bad terms with America, this Act was put in place to contain the States' neutrality. In addition, America wanted to put an embargo in place as a way to cause England's economy to decline, but they were already successful without them in this field, and the only country negatively affected was America. -
War Hawks
Being a group of young men in Congress from the Southern states in the country beginning in 1810, the War Hawks advocated for war. They believed it was only right for the Americans to make their problems with Britain known. As a result, they pressured President James Madison to declare war, resulting in the War of 1812 -
Tecumseh (Battle of Tippecanoe)
This marked the beginning of the War of 1812, where multiple Indian tribes along with the British teamed up against America. In the Battle of Tippecanoe, tribe leader Tecumseh, and his ally tribes were cornered by American troops, and the US won this battle due to their more substantial weaponry supply as well as their preparation for this fight. -
War of 1812 Begins
Up until this time, many conflicts between America and Britain contributed to the eventual declaration of war. The main causes included the British seizing American sailors for their Navy, disagreements over territory, and the tribes' desire to keep their own land. -
Tecumseh (Battle of Thames)
Taking place along the Thames River, Indian tribes hid in thickets, and the Americans entered, purposely attacking the British first. Even though the British retreated shortly after being discovered by the Americans, Tecumseh and his troops stayed to fight. Because they only had their horses and the Americans had guns, Tecumseh was shot dead and they lost the battle. -
Hartford Convention
Lasting from December 15, 1814, until January 5, 1815, the Hartford Convention was a secret meeting consisting of the Federalists at the time. Fearing that the Republicans had too much power in the country, they debated secession and new amendments that would limit the powerful militaries in the country. -
Treaty of Ghent
Acting as the end to the War of 1812, the Treaty of Ghent returned all the territory to its rightful owners, as well as made an agreement to begin working towards abolishing the slave trade between America and Britain. -
Battle of New Orleans
In this battle, US troops, not assembled in the most efficient way, miraculously won the final battle of the War of 1812. After this, Louisiana became its own state, and America won the War of 1812.