Early Western Expansion & Conflict

Controversy• The Louisiana Purchase, while benefiting the

US financially, set off a lot of debate– Constitutional Issues– Essex Junto– Burr Conspiracy

Conflict in Europe• Becoming independent didn’t keep the US out

of European conflicts & creates new problems in the US

• Napoleonic Wars– Each wanted to prevent the US from trading (and

aiding) the other– Impressment: Chesapeake-Leopard– Jefferson creates the embargo

Embargo• Can’t trade

• Hurt New England Federalists the most

• Creates a depression

• Madison (Democratic-Republican) wins the presidency but Federalists showed stronger than in 1804

Continued Tensions with England• During James Madison’s Presidency

• Non-Intercourse Act & Macon’s Bill #2

• Anti-British sentiment concerned British officials in Canada– Renewed friendships with Native American tribes

(who were growing more resistant the American expansion)

– Encouraged uprisings

• War Hawks– Make the west ‘safe’– Want Florida

War of 1812• Began in 1812; but not

much fighting until 1813, after England defeated Napoleon

• America has trouble invading Canada

• Some success at sea• Raided and burned York

(Toronto)• Battle of the Thames –

killed Tecumseh• Battle of Horseshoe

Bend – Andrew Jackson seizes Florida

• British burned Washington DC & moved toward Baltimore

• Britain & the US eventually negotiate a peace treaty – takes some time to reach the US

• Battle of New Orleans – Andrew Jackson becomes a national hero

Aftermath of 1812• Federalist opposition to the Republican

administration was growing – Daniel Webster– Minority in the country but a majority in New

England– Dreamed of a day when they would rule again– Hartford Convention 1814-1815

• Held to discuss grievances w/ the federal government• Some wanted to secede• Victory in the war made the Federalists look stupid –

death blow to the party

• Peace Agreement: Treaty of Ghent– Each side gained little, but paved the way for

lasting friendship