Download The War of 1812 Reading Comprehension

United States History
Reading Comprehension – The War of 1812
Name_________________________
Directions: Read each of the following paragraphs below and write a main idea for each.
1.
The United States went to war with England in 1812 because England refused to treat the United States as a neutral
country. England often interfered with American freedom of the seas. The English navy impressed, or kidnapped, men
off American ships and forced them to join the English navy. English ships often hindered American fishing off the
coast of Newfoundland. English ships also took cargo off American ships headed for France. English interference was
not limited to the sea. England still had several forts in the American territory and Canada. Soldiers from these forts
encouraged Indians to attack American settlers.
Main Idea:
2.
The War of 1812 was not very popular in the New England states. People there were upset because the war hurt their
businesses. Their Businesses depended on trade with Europe, especially England. During the War of 1812 trade was
stopped. The New England states refused to support the war. They refused to loan money to the government to help
pay for the cost of the war. They also refused to furnish their share of soldiers to fight the war. In 1814, leaders from
the New England states met at the Hartford Convention. They agreed that the war must be stopped. Some leaders even
threatened to leave the Union and make a separate peace treaty with England. The war ended, however, before any such
action was taken.
Main Idea:
3.
The Battle of New Orleans, the greatest American victory of the War of 1812, was really fought after the war was over.
As a result, the battle had no influence on the outcome of the war. The American general, Andrew Jackson, won a
decisive victory over the English at New Orleans. But unknown to Jackson, peace negotiations between England and
the American had already begun. Indeed, the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812, was signed in Europe two
weeks before the Battle of New Orleans. Since communication was slow in those times, news that the war was over did
not reach New Orleans until after the battle.
Main Idea:
4.
When the War of 1812 was over, both the United States and England realized that they had gained nothing. None of the
major causes of the war was even mentioned in the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war. The border between Canada
and the United States remained where it had been before the war began. The problem of freedom of the seas was not
settled. Nothing was said about English impressment of American sailors in the peace treaty. The question of
American fishing rights was also omitted. These were the issues that had lead to war. But the treaty did not settle them.
Main Idea: