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Impressment of Sailors
The impressment of sailors was a practice followed through by the Royal Navy, in which men would board American ships, inspect the crew, and accuse them of being deserters of British ships. The accused would be taken and held prisoner. The constant seizing of men and ships during this time was unjustified, and were reportedly mistreated as prisoners, which was unconstitutional. -
Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality was the declaration of neutrality in Great Britain and France's conflict. This was done to prevent conflict between America and European nations. This is somewhat ironic, considering how conflict between the United States and Great Britain began not too many years after this announcement. That conflict being the War of 1812. -
Jay Treaty
Jay's Treaty was meant to create peace between the United States and Great Britain, though this was unsuccessful, and the neutral rights of American ships were not made entirely secure. The seizure of American ships would continue and people would be held captive, leading the United States closer to war. 15,000 Sailors were captured between 1793 and 1812 through British Impressment. -
Washington's Farewell Address
After serving for the United States for over 20 years, Washington had written a farewell address before the end of his second term in office. This was a goodbye to citizens and friends before retiring, returning to his home in Virginia. This farewell was a statement on his push for neutrality between the United States and European nations. It was almost like a final political statement. -
Chesapeake Leopard Affair
The Chesapeake Leopard Affair was a fight between two ships, the American USS Chesapeake and the British HMS Leopard. The British were being fought off in an attempt to board the Chesapeake to look for deserters of the British Navy. The British had taken four men, and tried them for desertion. I believe one of which were hanged. -
Embargo Act of 1807
The Embargo Act of 1807 was a temporary ban on all foreign trade between the United States and European nations during the Napoleonic wars. This embargo was widely seen as unconstitutional, from the act itself to the ways it was enforced. That being using the Navy and other officers by means of enforcing. This damaged the economy as businesses were being held at a standstill without the proper resources or income to continue on. -
War Hawks
War Hawks at the time were men in office that pressured the president to pursue war with Great Britain. It was believed that Florida and Canada should be under American territory for the purpose of money and trade. Supported the War of 1812. -
Tecumseh
Tecumseh was an Indian war chief and political leader that fought with British forces in the War of 1812 until his death in the Battle of Thames, which was an American won battle during the war of 1812 on October 5th, 1813. -
Hartford Convention
The Hartford Convention was the discussion of the impact of the War of 1812, leading to the end of the Federalist party, as the Federalist did not approve of the war in the first place. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent was a peace treaty, declaring the end of the War of 1812, effectively sending each country to the way it was before the war. At least the restoration of ports as well as seized ships and men. -
Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans was believed to be the United State's most successful battlefield victory. This battle was an attempt to prevent the British from taking an American port. This victory led to the rising popularity of General Andrew Jackson.