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Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality
Washington declares that the U.S. will remain neutral in conflicts between other countries, which affects U.S. relations with Britain and France in the years leading up to the War of 1812. -
Jay Treaty
A treaty between the U.S. and Britain that seeks to resolve outstanding issues from the Revolutionary War. While it helps avoid war with Britain, it is criticized by some Americans for not addressing issues like impressment -
Washington’s Farewell Address
George Washington advises the U.S. to avoid entangling alliances and political factions. This sets the stage for U.S. foreign policy, influencing later decisions. -
impressment of Sailors
The British practice of forcibly recruiting American sailors into the British Navy creates significant tensions between the U.S. and Britain. -
Chesapeake-Leopard Affair
A British warship, HMS Leopard, attacks the American ship Chesapeake, leading to heightened tensions between the U.S. and Britain and influencing public sentiment towards the War of 1812. -
Embargo Act 1807
Enacted by President Thomas Jefferson, this act prohibited American ships from trading with foreign ports in an attempt to pressure Britain and France to respect American neutrality. It was economically damaging and unpopular. -
War Hawks
A group of young, nationalist members of Congress, including Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, advocated for war against Britain to defend American honor and territorial expansion. -
Tecumseh
Tecumseh sought to unite Native American tribes to resist American expansion into their territories, aligning with the British during the War of 1812. -
War of 1812 Begins
The United States declared war on Great Britain due to issues like impressment, interference with American trade, and support for Native American resistance against American expansion -
Hartford Convention December 1814 - January 1815
Federalists from New England met to discuss their grievances regarding the ongoing war and propose amendments to the Constitution. The convention's timing makes it appear unpatriotic, and it contributes to the decline of the Federalist Party. -
Treaty of Ghent
The treaty ends the War of 1812, restoring relations between the U.S. and Britain to pre-war status. It doesn’t address all the issues that led to the war but ends hostilities
The treaty was signed in Belgium, officially ending the war and restoring pre-war boundaries. -
Battle of New Orleans
A decisive American victory under General Andrew Jackson, occurred after the Treaty of Ghent was signed. Still, before news of the treaty reached the U.S. It boosted American morale and nationalism.