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HISTORY THROUGH
LITERATURE
II. The Battle of New Orleans
James Madison
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Father of the Constitution
Small of stature, light of weight, bald of head, and
weak of voice
Dealing with Jefferson’s problems and Europe at
war (Napoleon v. Europe)
US currently not trading with anyone – hurting
economically.
War Hawks
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Many Congressmen want war with Britain
British were arming Indians, taking sailors, not
allowing us to trade with anyone, and still have not
left Northwest Territory (Revolutionary war) in
Detroit.
Needed to fight to protect itself, protect the
experiment of the Republic.
Declared War on June 1st, 1812.
War of 1812 (Second War of
Independence)
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US has a chance because most British fighting in Europe
US quickly invades Canada – loses all the battles
US actually did well at sea – the USS Constitution (Old Ironside)
(free men, not press men)
Commodore Oliver Perry (not Matthew) wins in Lake Erie, “We have
met the enemy and they are ours.”
US defended New York from attack – Could have split New England
(Hartford Convention) off the US. (Thomas Macdonough: saved New
York State)
Washington DC was burned but Fort McHenry was defended –
Francis Scott Key
Then – Napoleon is defeated – British can send crack troops here –
oh no
Treaty of Ghent
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US was already meeting with Britain in Belgium
John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay – double dose.
British sent second team
Armistice signed – all territory returned – not at
war – a draw
Andrew Jackson
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Born is NC or SC – from Tennessee
14 year old in the Revolutionary War – captured
and wounded by a sword – developed an intense
hatred of the British (big mistake by the British)
Became a lawyer, Congressman, Senator, militia
general (no training), and slave-owner
Became an extremely aggressive and tough leader
The Battle of New Orleans
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The treaty was signed but had not yet been brought
back to the US
British sent 10,000 crack troops against Andrew
Jackson (no military training) and his 7,000 group
of regulars, pirates, French, freemen, slaves, and
militia.
British made a full frontal assault – over in 20 min –
British took 2,000 casualties, US under 50
Legacy of War of 1812
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Minor – only 6,000 US casualties compared to 500,000
in Europe
The Republic showed it would resist grievous wrongs
Europe developed a new respect for US fighting
prowess
US united a little more
New war heroes became presidents – Jackson and
Harrison
Indians lost the Ohio valley
Canadians felt betrayed by Britain – got closer to their
own independence
Ambrose on the Battle of New Orleans
and Andre Jackson
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Battle saved American self-respect at home and gave
the US prestige abroad.
Jackson was superb
Even though Jackson was bad towards Indian, he is a
great man
Brought a hodge podge group of soldiers together to
save the US
If the US lost, the British would have ignored the treaty,
taken much of the West, and had already taken Mobile
Alabama.