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Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality was a significant policy declaration by George Washington. It announced the United States' intent to remain impartial and neutral in the conflict between France and Great Britain during the French Revolutionary Wars. This proclamation aimed to avoid getting entangled in the hostilities between these European powers, safeguard American interests, and preserve the fledgling nation's fragile stability. -
Impressment of soldiers
From 1793 to the War of 1812, many American soldiers were impressed or abducted. The United States responded to these impressments with the Jay Treaty. However, All of the treaties did not stop the impressment from the British, so America resorted to war with Britain. -
Jay Treaty
The Jay Treaty was a diplomatic agreement between the United States and Great Britain. Negotiated by Chief Justice John Jay it aimed to resolve ongoing issues between the two nations in the aftermath of the American Revolution. The issues addressed were the British occupation of western forts, British interference with American trade, and the seizure of American ships. This treaty was viewed negatively by Americans because they thought they were being too friendly with Britain. -
Washington's Farewell Address
In this address, Washington outlined his thoughts on key principles and issues he believed were crucial to the young nation's future. He mainly talks about the divide political parties could bring, the value of maintaining neutrality in foreign affairs, and the significance of maintaining a strong federal government. This address would affect America's attitude toward foreign issues leading to things such as the Embargo Act. -
Chesapeake–Leopard Affair
The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair, which occurred in 1807, was a naval confrontation between the USS Chesapeake, an American frigate, and the HMS Leopard, a British warship. The incident took place around Virginia, near Norfolk. The HMS Leopard fired on the USS Chesapeake, demanding the right to search the American ship for British deserters, as the British believed some British-born sailors were serving on American vessels. This issue furthered aggression between the two leading to the War of 1812. -
Embargo Act of 1807
This act aimed to protect American interests during the Napoleonic Wars and conflicts between Britain and France. Essentially, it prohibited American vessels from sailing to foreign ports, which was meant to pressure Britain and France into respecting American neutrality and sailors' rights. However, this act had severe economic consequences, particularly in New England, where it led to widespread unemployment and economic hardship. It was eventually repealed and replaced twice. -
War Hawks
The War Hawks were a group of nationalist and mostly Democratic-Republican politicians from the Western and Southern regions of the United States led by Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun. They were notable in Congress, advocating for a more aggressive stance against Great Britain, which they saw as a threat to American sovereignty and expansion. The War Hawks pushed for war as a means to protect American maritime rights, halt the British and Indian alliance, and assert American dominance. -
Tecumseh's Alliance/Battle of Tippecanoe
Tecumseh was a powerful and charismatic tribe leader who created an intertribal alliance between the Native Americans. The Battle of Tippecanoe, fought on November 7, 1811, near present-day Battle Ground, Indiana, was a significant conflict between American forces and Native American tribes, primarily led by Tecumseh. The battle occurred as a result of growing tensions between American settlers and Native American tribes in the Indiana Territory. The battle was costly for both sides. -
War of 1812 Begins
America was fed up with the many transgressions of the past years from maritime raids to impressing soldiers. Congress deliberated on whether to wage war with France, Great Britain, or both. In the end due to their support of the Native Americans, their denial of trade, and the major impressment of soldiers, America decided to go to war against Great Britain so they could protect their rights and freedom. -
Tecumseh's Death and the Battle of the Thames
The Battle of the Thames, fought on October 5, 1813, during the War of 1812, was a significant military engagement in present-day Ontario, Canada. American forces confronted British and Native American forces led by General Henry Procter and Shawnee Chief Tecumseh. In this battle, Tecumseh died and afterward, the Indian confederation split up. This decisive battle spelled the figurative end of the War of 1812 due to the massive American victory and the retreat of British forces. -
Hartford Convention
The Hartford Convention was a gathering of New England Federalist delegates in December 1814 during the War of 1812. Held in Hartford, Connecticut, the convention was convened to discuss their grievances and concerns about the war's impact on the New England states. Their main issue was not being able to trade with Britain due to the ongoing war. This convention was seen as the death of the Federalist Party because many Americans saw their actions as unpatriotic. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent, signed on December 24, 1814, was an agreement that ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. Negotiated in the Belgian city of Ghent, this treaty effectively restored pre-war territorial boundaries. The news of the peace obtained from this treaty however would not reach American and British armies for a long time which led to the Battle of New Orleans. -
Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans was the last battle of the War of 1812 despite the war already being officially over. This battle signified the true end of the war due to being a great American victory. This battle was won due to Andrew Jackson's leadership despite America having fewer troops.