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Louisiana Purchase
The U.S. negotiated the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France during Thomas Jefferson's presidency. It cost $15 million to doubled the size of the United States, extending from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. France sold the territory largely due to financial difficulties caused by war with Britain. The purchase opened vast lands for settlement, increased the United States' agricultural and economic potential, and ensured American control of the Mississippi River. -
Embargo Act Passed
Sponsored by President Jefferson, this act attempted to forestall war by cutting off all American trade with foreign nations. It was in response to Britain and France's interference with U.S. shipping and the impression of American sailors into British naval service. It intended to put economic pressure on these nations, which generally ignored it. It severely damaged the American economy. It further increased dissatisfaction with Jefferson's administration. -
Battle of River Raisin
A U.S. forces under General James Winchester was defeated by a force of British troops and American Indians near the present-day city of Monroe, Michigan.The Native American forces subsequently killed many of the surrendered American prisoners in a brutal massacre that fanned national outrage. "Remember the Raisin" became the cry for American forces. It increased the determination of U.S. troops in subsequent campaigns. -
Battle of Tippecanoe
This battle occurred in the Indiana Territory between U.S. forces led by Governor William Henry Harrison and Native Americans associated with Tecumseh’s confederation. Tenskwatawa, initiated the attack, but U.S. forces repelled it, burning Prophetstown in the aftermath. The battle weakened Native American resistance in the Northwest Territory and undermined Tecumseh's efforts to unify tribes against American expansion. It intensified tensions that led to the War of 1812. -
Declaration of War
The U.S. Congress, at the urging of President James Madison, declared war on Britain over issues including American sailors,restrictions on U.S. trade, and British support for Native American attacks on the frontier.This was the first time the U.S. declared war on another nation. The war showed the determination of the young nation to defend its sovereignty. It marked a test of American resolve and a bid to assert its independence on the world stage. -
Invasion of Canada
General William Hull invaded British-held Upper Canada (that is to say, the modern province of Ontario). Hull retreated in fear that he would be cut off by combined forces of British soldiers and Native Americans, and ultimately handed over Detroit without a shot being fired. The failed invasion embarrassed the U.S. and exposed its military unpreparedness. It also bolstered British and Canadian morale and demonstrated the significant role Native Americans played in defending Canada. -
Bombards Detroit
The British, along with Native allies under Tecumseh, besieged Fort Detroit, leading to its surrender. General William Hull capitulated to British forces without a battle, fearing a massacre by Tecumseh's warriors.This was a major victory for the British and their allies; it further demoralized U.S. forces. The surrender of Detroit has been considered a national humiliation.However, it turned around and motivated the U.S. to redouble its efforts in war. -
Napoleon is exiled
After successive defeats in Europe, Napoleon Bonaparte abdicated the French throne and was exiled to the Mediterranean island of Elba. This marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe.With Napoleon finally out of power, more resources and attention could be dedicated to the War of 1812 by Britain. Exile for him temporarily eliminated French influence in European politics, paving the way for a new balance of power. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent, negotiated in Ghent, Belgium, ended the War of 1812 by restoring pre-war boundaries and promising future disputes would be handled diplomatically. Issues such as impressment and trade restrictions were not resolved.The treaty represented a return to the status quo ante bellum ("the state before the war"). It helped improve the U.S.-British relations, and the end of the war was celebrated as a symbolic victory for American sovereignty. -
War is over
The Senate of the United States ratified the Treaty of Ghent, marking the end of the War of 1812. News of the Treaty reached the U.S. after the Battle of New Orleans fought in January 1815 due to slow communication. The end of the war opened a period of national pride and unity later termed the "Era of Good Feelings." In addition, it confirmed U.S.ability to defend itself and contributed to decline of Native resistance in Northwest