Download Causes and Effects of the War of 1812

Causes of the War of 1812
After two terms as president, Thomas Jefferson retired back to Virginia and James Madison replaced
him in 1808. In Europe, France and Britain were still engaged in a war. For many years, the US refused to
participate but in June 1812, the United States abandoned its policy of neutrality and Congress officially
declared war against Britain. President James Madison, commander in chief, led the military into its first war
since the Revolutionary War. The War of 1812, fought entirely in the United States, was declared for several
reasons.
British Impressment
During the early 1800s, British ships attacked American ships
and captured the sailors, forcing the sailors to work for Britain. This
act of impressment was intended to prevent Americans from selling
supplies to France, Britain’s enemy. The dangers faced by
Americans at sea angered merchants and farmers who sold their
goods to European countries. They lost profits because of this
problem. Americans believed that fighting Britain in another war
would force the British to respect Americans once and for all.
Native Americans
After purchasing the Louisiana Territory in 1803, Americans
slowly moved west. The land was cheap and plentiful and offered an
opportunity of wealth for many Americans. However, Native American
raids against the new American settlers were common. Americans blamed
the British for secretly supplying Native Americans with weapons and
other supplies to attack the pioneers. During a bloody battle in the Indiana
region, British weapons were found among the defeated natives.
Americans worried that Britain was trying to weaken the United States so it
could eventually regain control of North America.
Nationalism
Some Americans felt the reputation of the US was at stake. If Britain continued to impress (capture)
sailors and aid natives, what else would the British do? Americans began feeling a great sense of nationalism,
or pride in their country. They had already defeated Britain once; they had negotiated a deal to purchase the
enormous Louisiana Territory; they even organized a successful expedition to the Pacific Ocean through Lewis
and Clark. For the first time, Americans recognized the need to defend their country’s honor.
Territories
Americans not only wanted to defend America’s reputation, they wanted to conquer more territory,
especially Canada which was under Britain’s control. The huge Canadian region in the north would eliminate
another foreign presence in North America. It would also open greater trade networks, especially of luxury
goods such as fur. By taking over British territory, the North America would belong to the United States and
Spain alone.
Political Power
“War Hawks” was a nickname given to congressmen strongly supporting a war against Britain. Most
War Hawks were from southern and western states where Native American attacks were frequent. Northern
states still favored neutrality. Henry Clay of Kentucky and John Calhoun of South Carolina were leaders of the
War Hawks. War Hawks were generally from the Republican Party and President Madison, also a Republican,
felt it was necessary to remain loyal to his political party. With pressure from the War Hawks and evidence of
Britain’s deceitful actions, President Madison supported the new war against Britain.
Causes of the War of 1812
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WAR of
1812
DIRECTIONS: Write a summary sentence for
each paragraph to explain the causes of the
War of 1812. Then draw a picture to show
what happened.