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Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality
The United States was officially declared neutral in the conflict between France and Great Britain by President George Washington in the Proclamation of Neutrality. It implied that any American aiding a warring nation would face legal action. -
Jay Treaty
The Jay Treaty, a pact that ended warfare between the United States and Great Britain, laid the groundwork for a strong national economy in America and guaranteed its commercial growth. In the Jay Treaty, the British consented to withdraw their regal forces from the western frontiers of the United States and to set up a committee to look into American debts. -
Washington’s Farewell Address
Washington makes sure to warn the Americans of the dangers the political parties will bring. Washington states that he was concerned that favoritism would breed a "spirit of revenge" in which party members would rule not for the benefit of the people but rather for personal gain. Washington also advocated for cautious, respectful neutrality in international relations that will help the U.S. establish lasting partnerships abroad and not make ruthless rivals abroad. -
Chesapeake-Leopard Affair
The Chesapeake was a representation of the deteriorating relations between Great Britain and the United States and the spark that slowly ignited the War of 1812's hostilities. The reason why is that the Chesapeake departed Norfolk in search of the Mediterranean. The sailors of the British ship HMS Leopard caught the ship off the coast of Norfolk with the intention of taking everything because of its cargo-filled decks and poorly stored cannons. -
Embargo Act 1807
The Embargo Act of 1807 was passed with the intention of aiding the United States by showing Britain and France how dependent on American products they were, persuading them to respect American neutrality, and stop impressing American mariners. -
Tecumseh (1)
Shawnee Chief Tecumseh attempted to engage with the American administration in 1811 to limit western development into native territory. He organized a confederation of native tribes and advocated for numerous Indians' interests. -
Impressment of Sailors
The British Royal Navy used to deploy officers to board American ships to impress seamen, investigate the crew, and apprehend sailors who were allegedly British ship deserters. -
War Hawks
War Hawks were Congressmen who pushed President James Madison to start a war with Great Britain in 1812. Younger lawmakers from Southern and Western states made up the majority of the War Hawks. Their drive for expansionism was the cause of their yearning for conflict. -
War of 1812 Begins
In the War of 1812, the United States invaded Great Britain, the world's most formidable naval power, due to British trade embargoes and American territorial ambitions. The War of 1812 introduced the United States into the international arena, spanning the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast of the United States, as well as Canada, the high seas, and the Great Lakes. -
Tecumseh (2)
Tecumseh led his people in numerous battles against the United States and assisted the British during the War of 1812. But his ambition of freedom was dashed when he was murdered at the Battle of Thames, causing his Indian confederacy to disintegrate. -
Hartford Convention
The Hartford Convention was a series of meetings held in Hartford, Connecticut, in which the New England Federalist Party assembled to discuss their concerns with the continuing War of 1812. -
Treaty of Ghent
Despite without naming a clear victor, the Treaty of Ghent put an end to the War of 1812. It brought about a lasting alliance between the United States and Great Britain after establishing peace between the two countries. -
Battle of New Orleans
The spectacular American victory at New Orleans quickly became a symbol of American democracy triumphing over old European conceptions of aristocracy and entitlement. The fight was the final significant armed conflict between the United States and the United Kingdom.