The War of 1812 was fought between the United States and Great Britain. The causes of the war included British restrictions on US trade and the impressment of American sailors into the British navy. While the British burned Washington D.C. in 1814, the US prevailed in key battles in New York, Baltimore, and New Orleans. This boosted American patriotism and showed Europe that the US deserved to be treated as an independent nation rather than a British colony.
[An updated version with more information on the forces, especially the Canadians.]
Two centuries ago, Dryden militia crossed the Niagara River into Canada in one of the early battles of this often forgotten war. Thomas Jefferson was wrong: conquering Canada was more than "a mere matter of marching". The attempt on Queenston failed, though British General Brock died in its defense.
Come learn about the perilous adventures of Dryden men and the state and national political whirlpools that were more hazardous than the Niagara River itself. Meet Governor Daniel Tompkins, namesake of our county, as he fought to keep New York State together in difficult times.
We like to remember "the rockets' red glare", our surprisingly good performance at sea, and Andrew Jackson's victory at New Orleans after the peace treaty was signed. We also need to remember our town's role in the war, even when it didn't go so well.
2. Intro to the War of 1812
• In the War of 1812, the US took on the
greatest naval power in the world, Great
Britain.
• Causes of the War:
– British restrict trade between America and France
– British capture American sailors and force them to
fight under the British flag – Impressment
– America was expanding and growing
4. US Suffers
• The British, Canadian, Native Americans and
Slaves fight America.
• At one point the Capitol burned down in
August 1814.
• But America prevails in New York, Baltimore
and New Orleans boosting patriotism.
5. Intro to the War of 1812
• http://www.history.com/topics/us-
presidents/james-madison/videos/james-
madison-and-the-war-of-1812
6. A Push Towards War
• War Hawks
– Wanted to go to war
– Members of Congress from
the West and South wanted
to go to war.
– Nationalism – devotion to
one’s country
– They felt that the British were
treating America as if it still
was their colony
7. Opposing the war
• Federalists after war they
lose supporters
• Merchants
• Merchants wanted to
restore trade
• New England (Vermont,
Maine, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island
Connecticut
Massachusetts)
8. WAR
• May 1811
• New York Harbor
• American Frigate and British warship fight
• Americans cripple British ship 32 British sailors
are dead or wounded
9. War Declared
• June 1812
• President Madison gave in to war fever.
• The House and Senate both voted in favor of war.
• What would America be Fighting for?
• To be Independent.
• Many see the War of 1812 as a Second war of
Independence.
10. Unprepared for War
• The US was not ready for war.
• Jefferson reduced spending on defense
• Only had 16 ships
• Army was not well trained
• Many were volunteers and not full time
soldiers
• Government attracted young men by offering
money and land.
11. Fighting at sea
• British blockaded American ports.
• August 1812 American Ship USS Constitution
“Old Ironsides” vs British ship HMS Guerriere.
• America wins a stunning victory
• Helped build American Moral
• Today Old Ironsides sits in Boston * a restored
version.
12. War in west
• War Hawks wanted to conquer Canada
• American General William Hull
• British General, Isaac Brock led a few Canadian
untrained troops.
• Brock dressed them up like experienced
British Troops, he also tricked the Americans
into thinking that Indians joined the
Canadians. America backed down.
13. British Burn Washington
• August 1814
• Occupied Washington for 26 hours.
• Darkest moment for James Madison
• From here the British went to Baltimore
14. At Baltimore
• September 13 – 14 British rockets Bombarded
Harbor.
• Francis Scott Key saw this and in the morning
the flag still flew. He was inspired to write the
Star Spangled Banner.
• Todays national anthem is the
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15. The Treaty of Ghent
• December 24, 1814 – Britain and the US
Signed a peace treaty in Belgium
• Nothing was adjusted, nothing was settled.
• Some Americans felt that the war was a
mistake
• Others said the war showed Europe to treat
America with respect
16. But wait that is not all
• How was communication back at this time?
• Was it Fast?
• Did they have Facebook, email, a cell phone?
• Jackson: a New Hero
• http://www.history.com/topics/war-of-
1812/videos/americans-and-british-face-off-
in-war-of-1812
17. Battle of New Orleans
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50_iRIcxs
z0
• Exit Ticket:
• What did the war of 1812 show Europe about
America?
• Give one reason why the war of 1812 Began.
