The War of 1812 Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa
Tecumseh the Shawnee chief and his brother the “prophet” led resistance against land hungry Americans. Growth: Population in Ohio: 1810: 230,000 1817: 300,000 Tecumseh’s confederacy
Solidified alliances with northern tribes and British agents and fur traders. Goal: potential war against United States. Angered as far back by the Governor of Indiana William Henry Harrison whose treaties consistently ripped off the Shawnee. Shawnee split
“no tribe has the right to sell, even to each other, much less to strangers…sell to a country! Why not sell the air, the sky, the earth?” Tecumseh Harrison took advantage of Tecumseh’s advantage to rip off the Shawnee. Battle of Tippecanoe
Made a hero out of Harrison. Strengthened Tecumseh’s resolve to hold back Americans. Battle of Thames
Tecumseh’s Death. Native American resolved. British infringement Congressional War on American Hawks Freedom of the Seas
Causes of the War of 1812
Belief that Canada Native American was open to an Unrest in the Ohio invasion by Valley: Tecumseh American forces American naval force was Logistical Issues: Trying to far greater than it had been invade Canada and in 1795, but far less than adequately supply a force what was needed
American Shortcomings During the War of 1812
Financial Support for the A lack of objectives—failure War…very limited. of American leadership to Congress offered NO establish clear war appropriation for expanding objectives. navy! Military Perspectives
Same problems that plagued British during Revolution emerged again… The War of 1812
Indian conflicts of 1811 merged with larger conflict with England known as the War of 1812. 1809-1812: Madison teetered between England and France as the enemy as both were attacking American merchant ships. The Economic War
Jefferson’s Embargo Act of 1807-no outside commerce. Impact? Madison’s Non- Intercourse Act (1810) forbade commerce with only England and France and their colonies—limiting our commerce. Macon’s Bill #2
Offered an opportunity to either Britain or France…stop the nonsense and trade. France signed on first, and then continued the nonsense! Elections of 1810: The War Hawks
Nearly everyone was disappointed with Madison’s miscalculation and the disruption in trade. The nation responded with elections in 1810 that brought into power the War Hawks. Young Republicans eager to avenge the insult. Henry Clay Favoring War
War Hawks South and West Expansionists
War Hawks Quadruple the defense budget! Opposing the War
Vote in June 1812: Favor of war: South and West Against: Parts of New England and Mid Atlantic.
Ironic development The British had announced just days earlier an end to search and seizure of American ships. Congress had acted, the momentum was great.
Invasion of Canada
Thoughts were that a quick victory could be achieved in four weeks…took 2.5 years. Northern invasions were blunders and revealed our unpreparedness British and Native American forces were very powerful. New England
Most were engaged in illegal English trade and dragged their feet on raising men. They hoped to created dissension amongst the Americans. Republicans painted a picture of Federalist disloyalty. Election of 1812 a close call…reflecting Federalist anger. Tide Turns
Major victory at York (1812-Toronto) Burned capital of Canada. Victories on Lake Erie by Oliver Hazzard Perry. The Niagara Campaign
Three pronged attack to take control of Canada. Results of Niagara Campaign
Failure due to: Poor planning Lack of will Reliance on militia forces Weather Efforts to claim Montreal failed The Battle of Chrysler’s Farm
Similar to Pickett’s Charge in that you are attacking a fortified area only be repulsed on several occasions. A significant American defeat. 200 dead with 230 wounded British casualties were small in comparison only 22 dead with 150 wounded. Weaknesses of 1813
Unreliable militia Poor leadership Political chaos A complete disconnect between political and military objectives Only the Great Lakes theatre showed promise Andrew Jackson gains fame (part I)
10,000 Creek Indians had allied with the British and put up a significant assault using Spanish support. Jackson ended the Creek war he led 2500 militia against the Creek at the battle of Horshoe Bend. Got them to relinquish thousands of square miles of land. Bladensburg Races
The British easily crossed the Potomac into the heart of the American Government. Rather than a mount a spirited offense, the results was a chaotic, embarrassing, retreat. Road to Washington…wide open British Offensive
August of 1814: the British sail into Chesapeake Bay throwing the Nation into turmoil. Capital is burned 8/24/1814 Dolly Madison’s famous tale. Fort McHenry
An impressive Francis Scott Key a fortification on the lawyer and artillery Coast line of volunteer. Baltimore. Based on a model of Louisbourg The British fired 1,500 shells at it from the sea and did little damage. Star Spangled Banner
Francis Scott Key penned the famous song after witnessing a fierce defense by the Maryland militia from Fort McHenry.
War’s Tide Turns: September 1814
Victories at Plattsburgh, Lake Champlain, and Baltimore Restored confidence, encourage militia participation Peace negotiations were underway at Ghent Congress and the parties were bitterly divided—Hartford Convetion Conclusions of Plattsburgh
The British concluded that any interaction with this war would be very expensive and have long term consequences. The Napoleonic threat re-emerges The British merchant class had experienced enough commercial loss…sound familiar! Andrew Jackson…again
Let’s take the fight to Spain and threaten to take Florida! Attacked a joint British-Spanish fort at Pensacola and won… Moved on to New Orleans A crucial geography? Battle of New Orleans: Turning Point New Orleans
Jackson and his militia encountered British outside New Orleans in January of 1815. Most impressive victory in US History. 300 British killed, 1500 wounded, 500 captured. 13 Americans were killed and 29 injured. Jackson an instant hero. The decisive battle of the war.
Andrew Jackson Treaty of Ghent
Signed prior to the Battle of New Orleans! Neither country claimed victory—they may have had it been signed later. “status quo ante bellum” Americans yielded on Impressment. US Gave up claims to Canada. British abandoned aid to Indians. Nothing said about shipping rights. Federalists Outraged Hartford Convention
Discussed secession of New England Proposed abolishing 3/5 clause Limit congressional rights to embargo Looked to break Southern Power Federalist Party destroyed. Winners and Losers
Winners: Losers War Hawks Indians Republican Party Federalist Party