Download War of 1812 Background Information The War of 1812 did not result

War of 1812 Background Information
The War of 1812 did not result in major geographic, political, or economic changes for the United States.
Although fierce land and sea battle took place in the United States and the British territory of Canada,
no land changed hands and there were no major agreements on important issues, such as British
impressments of American sailors or British support for Native Americans in the Northwest Territory.
However, because the young United States was able to fight the powerful British army and navy to a
stalemate, other countries realized the United States had become a nation that had to be recognized as
an international force. People and politicians were proud of the U.S effort in fighting against a strong
enemy. After the war, Americans focused on domestic issues during the coming period called the Era of
Good Feelings.
Two basic issues contributed to the beginning of the War of 1812. France and Great Britain were
continuing their war against each other, which had begun in the 1790’s. Both seized American ships
they thought were trading with their enemy. However, the British also seized American sailors and
forced them to serve in the British navy. The United States tried several unsuccessful measures to
prevent these practices, but they hurt the U.S. economy more than either France of Great Britain.
Americans also believed the British were encouraging Native Americans to attack new American
settlements in the Northwest Territory by supplying them with weapons. The War Hawks in Congress
also wanted to expand U.S. control to the British territory of Canada and Spanish Florida. In 1812, the
United States finally declared war on Great Britain.
The War of 1812 included major victories and defeats for both sides. The British won major battles in
Canada and turned back three U.S. invasions there. Each country won significant battle on the Great
Lakes, with the United States capturing and burning the British capital at the Battle of York. Although
the U.S. Navy won many sea battles along the East Coast, the British navy was able to blockade most
ports and invade Washington, DC. The successful defense of Baltimore inspired the writing of “The StarSpangled Banner.” The final battle of the war was a great U.S. victory at the Battle of New Orleans
under General Andrew Jackson. Ironically news of the end of the war signaled by the signing of the
Treaty of Ghent two weeks earlier had not reached the city yet.
By holding its own against one of the strongest world powers at the time, the United States showed that
it had become a strong nation. European nations would see the United States differently, and the end
of the war marked the beginning of a long economic, political, and military partnership with Great
Britain. American pride increased, and American politicians began a period of cooperation and goodwill.
Even though there were no major geographic, political, or economic changes created by the War of
1812, it was still a turning point in U.S. growth as a world power and as a unified nation.
Prior Knowledge
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You should realize that France and Great Britain continued to wage war against each other
beginning in the 1790’s and constantly tried to involve the United States in their conflict.
You should be familiar with the expansion of the United States into Native American lands in the
Northwest Territory and the conflicts created by this movement.
You should remember that Thomas Jefferson and other Democratic-Republicans usually favored
France in the conflicts between European powers.
Common Misconceptions
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You may not realize that the United States fought a second full-scale war against Great Britain
about 30 years after the American Revolutionary War.
You may not realize that we did not win the War of 1912 because of the popular images
associated with “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Battle of New Orleans.
You may not realize that we did not gain or lose any territory or power during the War of 1812.
You may not realize that the War of 1812 involved issues with Native Americans in the
Northwest Territory as well as trade issues on the Atlantic Ocean.
You may not realize that we attempted to stay out of the War of 1812 for4 several years by
using trade embargoes to try to prevent foreign interference with American trade.