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Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
George Washington declared neutrality and that the United States would stay out of all wars for the unseeable future, but would continue trade. He warned of the dangers of going to war so early in the country's History. The people, however, ignored this and went to war with Britain in 1812. They also ended all trade with Europe during Jefferson's presidency with Europe, also ignoring Washington's proclamation. -
Impressment of Sailors
Starting in 1793, and leading up to 1812, the British seized many American sailors from the sea, brought out to trade. The British saw these ships trading with France and saw it as an act of war against them, and an alliance with France. This eventually was a leading cause for the War of 1812. -
Tacumsah
In the late 1700s, Tecumseh attempted to rebel against white expansion into their land. The Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794 saw Tacumsah and his allies lose, with the victors forcing the Natives out of the Ohio land. However, Tacumsah disobeyed this and imagined an alliance with all the Natives, including lifelong enemies, to resist the white expansion more. -
Jay Treaty
The Jay's Treaty attempted to save the relations between the United States and Britain. John Jay traveled to Britain as the American representative. Jay attempted to reason with the British on many predicaments, including the impressment of American Ships, trade, land disputes, the pay-off of British debts pre-revolution, and a treaty. The British largely ignored Jay's attempt/ -
Washington's Farewell Address
In George Washington's farewell address, where he formally stepped down from office, he warned the future Americans on many things. He first said to not create political parties, as they divided the Nation and put should-be-allies against each other. The next thing he said was to stay neutral in all conflicts and not get involved. The last thing he said was to foreign affairs positive, and not start any unnecessary enemies. The Americans later disobeyed every single one of these warnings. -
Chesapeake-Leonard Affair
The British ship, Leonard, was sailing out at sea in 1807, when it came across the American ship, Chesapeake. The British ship shot at the Chesapeake, and after the first bullet, the Americans surrendered. Four Americans were seized and one was even hanged by the British. -
Embargo Act 1807
Because of the impressment of American ships and sailors, Thomas Jefferson enacted the Embargo Act of 1807, prohibiting trade with Britain and France. This was a total failure and hurt the American economic state. -
War Hawks
War Hawks were a group of young Americans encouraging the war on the British, led by Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun. They opposed James Madison's beliefs and tried to get many other Americans on their side. They believed a war was the best way to go across this. -
Tacumsah
In 1811, Tecumseh had bonded many Native American tribes together, and declared the War of Tippecanoe. The Americans, led by William Henry Harrison, would end up victorious, weakening the tribes, and grew tensions. -
War of 1812 Begins
The British and American tension was finally severed in 1812 when war was declared. James Madison, the president of the time, and overwatched the British burn down the capital building in Washington D.C. This war was caused by many tensions, including impressment of sailors, British support with the Natives, trade issues, and more. -
Hartford Convention
A series of New England federalist meetings were held in New England in 1814, called the Hartford Convention. The Federalists discussed the increasing tensions that led to the War of 1812. -
Treaty of Ghent
On December 24, 1814, the War of 1812 ended with the Treaty of Ghent. It decided upon the borders, being the ones that were there before the war. This war united the Americans further, and ended in a draw. It led to the Federalist decline, as they were seen as unloyal to the Union. -
Battle of New Orleans
This battle was near the end of the war, led by Andrew Jackson. This was a victory against the British and ended with high American pride. This led to the Federalist party starting to fall apart.