War of 1812

1. War of 1812 SSUSH6 The student will analyze the nature of territorial and population growth and the impact of this growth in the early decades of the new nation. c. Explain major reasons for the War of 1812 and the war’s significance on the development of a national identity.

2. Cries for War • Americans felt that the British were inciting the Indians against them • The British were also interfering with U.S. shipping and were practicing impressment – the act of forcing people into military service • Congress declares war, some feel foolishly – the US had a very small army and navy and no offers of help from other countries

3. War begins • The Americans were losing to the British in the summer of 1812 – the Americans were poorly equipped and led • The US had a number of limited naval victories, but eventually the strength of the British Navy won out and the British blockaded the US coast, stopping trade and limiting sea attacks

4. The Burning of Washington, D.C • In 1814, the British ended their war with France and decided to focus on the war in the U.S. • American troops were able to push the British back into Canada in the late summer of 1814 • a fleet of British ships arrived in the Chesapeake Bay and headed for Washington, D.C., meeting little American opposition

5. The Burning of Washington, D.C. continued • August 24 – President Madison and his wife Dolley were warned of the impending arrival of the British and fled • The British set fire to the capital and moved to Baltimore where they were forced to retreat

6. Treaty of Ghent • Signed in Belgium in December 1814 • Treaty did not resolve any of the issues that led to war

7. Battle of New Orleans • General Andrew Jackson led the American troops to an impressive victory in New Orleans 2 weeks after the war ended • The battle unified the country, restored patriotism, and made Andrew Jackson a national hero