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Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
Following the French Revolution George Washington issued the Proclamation of Neutrality: declaring neutral relationships between Great Britain and France. Effect:
The proclamation of Neutrality led to the Neutrality Act of 1794: leading America to erase its alliance with France. This led to the War of 1812: riling France up, creating tension between America, France, and Great Britain. It was a direct cause of the actions exerted by Britain and France that led to America declaring the War. -
Jay Treaty
The Jay Treaty, signed on November 19, 1794, was created after Britain continously seized American ships and sailors. The British, also gifted Natives weapons in hopes of starting a war. Wanting to create a peaceful resolution, Washington sent Chief Justice John Jay to London. Effect: Ultimately the Treaty gave Britain more advantages than America. While Britain agreed to leave remaining U.S. ports, it added to the tension between the nations...ultimately not preventing the War of 1812. -
Impressment of Sailors
Impressment: the act in which men are captured and forced into naval service. Great Britain's laws stated that all British subjects could be conscripted into the navy. Suffering sailor shortages, Britain captured nearly 15,000 U.S. sailors to use to their advantage. Effect: The impressment sailors faced became one of the main causes for the War of 1812. It had a dramatic impact on America, reasserting to the President that the U.S. needed to put an end to this tryanny. -
Washington's Farewell Address
In 1796 George Washington declined running for a 3rd-time, writing in return his Farewell Address. The Farewell Address gave a series of recommendations to the future nation: mentioning topics of neutrality, peace, and weariness regarding foreign conflict. Effect: Washington's powerful messages spoken during his Farewell Address prompted the nation to turn to the Neutrality Act as a method of issuing peace between America, France, and Britain. This Neutrality Act would lead to the War of 1812. -
Chesapeake-Leopard Affair
In 1807 the British Ship "Leopard" prohibited the U.S. Ship "Chesapeake": demanding that the British search the ship for suspected deserters. When American sailors on board declined this request, the British attacked the Chesapeake: killing 3 Americans and arresting 4. Effect:
Americans became extremely angered by this event. The Embargo Act was quickly set in place: preventing U.S. ships from going to foreign ports. This event increased the want for the War of 1812 and heightened tensions. -
Embargo Act of 1807
The Embargo Act of 1807 was an act that restricted all imports from Great Britain, negatively effecting business in America. While the U.S. issued this act in an attempt on Britain, it backfired: resulting in a loss of occupations, poverty, and economic ruin. Affect: Unfortunately the Embargo Act of 1807 only further added to the tension between Great Britain and America. It led to the British Orders-In-Council limiting American trade with Europe, the second main cause for the War. -
Tecumseh (1)
Tecumseh was a Shawnee warrior. Issuing a powerful speech to the Osage Nation, Tecumseh quickly created a multi-tribal Confederacy to fight Colonial expansion after the Treaty of Fort Wayne was created: an act forcing natives to sell their lands. The Battle of Tippecanoe quickly insued, ending with a victory for pioneers and a loss for natives. Effect: Defeated, Tecumseh and his clan allied with Great Britain during the War of 1812. This allyship created issues for Americans during the War -
War Hawks
The "War Hawks", known as young politicians from the West and South, urged the government to initiate war with Britain. These War Hawks favored aggressive foreign policies, and felt it necessary to establish war given America's grievances. With Speaker Henry Clay they pressed for military confrontation. Effects: Suprisingly the War Hawks succesfully persuaded Congress to issue the War of 1812. These individuals became the starters of the tension-driven battles that followed, changing history. -
War of 1812 Begins
After the British Royal Navy continously provoked Americans: impressing sailors and taking over trading ports, Americans had enough. The young republic issued the War of 1812 on June 18:stirring up conflict between the two nations that would last for nearly two years. Effect:
Issuing the War of 1812 on June 18 American hatred toward Britain was publically declared. Wanting to put an end to the tyranny faced, the War began several battles and conflicts that impacted both country's futures. -
Tecumseh (2)
The Battle of the Thames occurred in 1813. Fighting against Americans, British soldiers and Tecumseh's indigenous tribe teamed up: battling in Canada at Thames river. Ending in a quick retreat from Britain, American victory was declared. Effects: The nation's victory reclaimed America's control on Detroit and the NorthWest frontier: providing America a massive territorial advantage. During the Battle British supplies and equipment were also destroyed: issuing another advantage to the U.S. -
Hartford Convention
In December of 1814 26 New England Federalists secretly met in Hartford, Conneticut to discuss and protest against James Madison's new war policy/the War of 1812. After the Treaty of Ghent ended the War, the Federalist's Credibility was immediately lost for Federalists. Effect:
The Hartford Convention, in summary, ended the Federalist Party due to lack of support. It also passed amendments, one of which mandated that two-thirds of Congress support was needed to pass a declaration of war. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent, signed in Belgium prior to the Battle of New Orleans, officially ended the War of 1812 and further conflict occurring between Great Britain and the U.S. It was a peace treaty stating that Britain agreed to hand over the North-West territory. Also mentioned was both countries explaining that they would end the slave trade. Effect:
The Treaty of Ghent brought an end to the War of 1812: declaring peace between the nations after two years. -
Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans was fought in the midst of the War of 1812 between the British and American soldiers. With an American victory, the Battle came to a close: revoking the British of any hope they had left of capturing the Golf Coast. Effects:
After Americans won the Battle, national pride was elevated among the U.S. It ultimately ended the War of 1812: becoming the final military engagement between Britain and America. The Treaty of Ghent was signed and Andrew Jackson became popular.