A. - Major Foreign Conflicts1. French Revolution – democratic revolution won popular support in

U.S. – France declares war on Great Britaina. Jefferson and Dem-Reps supported Franceb. Hamilton and Feds supported Britain

2. Proclamation of Neutrality (1793) Washington resisted popular support of France in war against Britain – U.S. too weak to fight – Jefferson resigned from Cabinet

a. U.S. would resist involvement in European political affairsb. Pledged to trade openly with all countries at warc. Established traditional policy of isolationism

3. The Jay Treaty (1794) – a. opposed British impressment, demanded “freedom of the seas”b. Britain agreed to evacuate forts in West…but didn’tc. Angered many for failure to end impressment

4. Pinckney’s Treaty (1795) – with Spain – a. opened New Orleans and Mississippi River to U.S. tradeb. Essential to success of farmers in west

5. The XYZ Affair – a. U.S. ships and cargo seized by French – violation of “freedom of the seas”b. Adams sends diplomats to negotiate with French Foreign Minister Talleyrandc. Nameless French ministers (referred to as X, Y, and Z) bribe U.S. officials to negotiate

with Talleyrandd. Refused to pay bribe– Americans angry with France – demanded war against Francee. Adams follows advice of Washington – policy of neutrality – but begins “undeclared

war” w/ France6. Embargo Act of 1807

f. Policy of neutrality - increasing conflicts with France and Britain1. France and Britain blockaded their enemy’s ports - disrupted American trade 2. British impressment of U.S. sailors into British Navy violated freedom of the seas

b. Jefferson didn’t want war - used diplomatic and economic sanctions – Embargo Act of 1807

1. No American ships can sail into any foreign port – 2. plan backfired, hurt US economy more than Britain’s 3. killed shipbuilding and shipping industries in New England

c. New England threatened to secede from the Uniond. Jefferson recognized failure of Embargo Act and repealed it in 1809

American merchants disliked the Embargo Act of 1807. They argued that it would be years before Britain and France actually felt its effect while American trade stagnated.

The Embargo Act of 1807 was very unpopular to Americans who made their living through shipping, most of whom lived in the northeastern part of the county. This "O-Grab-Me" cartoon (embargo spelled backwards) expressed their disdain for the Act.

Many Americans (especially Northern businessmen) despised the Embargo Act

“The Forgotten War”

• What do you know about the War of 1812?

B. Causes of The War of 1812 –

1. The Decision to abandon neutrality and go to War– a. Pressures for war came from two directions

• continued violations of US freedom of the seas• troubles with the British on the western frontier

b. U.S. desired western territories for expansion • Battle of Tippecanoe (1811) – William Henry Harrison defeats Tecumseh

in Indiana• Westerners blamed British for giving guns to Native Americans

c. “War Hawks” in Congress want war against British – Henry Clay of Kentucky and John C. Calhoun of South Carolina

d. Nation divided over war – South and West (pro) / North (anti)

C. The War of 1812 - a.k.a. “Mr. Madison’s War” & “2nd War for Independence”

a. Several failed U.S. attempts to invade and conquer Canada.b. Battle for Lake Erie stopped British invasion of U.S. from

Canada c. U.S. warship, U.S.S. Constitution, a.k.a. ‘Old Ironsides’ won

some victories on the high seas, but the British navy dominated U.S.

d. British invaded Chesapeake Bay area – 1. capture Washington D.C. and burn it to the ground. 2. Dolley Madison saves a famous portrait of Washington before

leaving the city.e. Battle of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland – Francis

Scott Key writes The Star-Spangled Banner, after witnessing battle from British ships.

British soldiers set fire to US government buildings in Washington DC. The US Capitol in the background is fully engulfed in flames. A sudden heavy rainstorm saved the buildings.

Francis Scott Key beholds the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry at dawn, September 14, 1814. Inspired by the sight, Key pens the "Star Spangled Banner", later to become the national anthem of the United States.

3. The Treaty of Ghent (1814)

• Declared truce between British and US – Jackson didn’t get the word and attacked British in New Orleans

• all conquered territories returned to prewar owner

• recognized prewar boundary between Canada and US (Great Lakes)

• War of 1812 ended in a stalemate

Back

The Battle of New Orleans –

• 2 weeks after Treaty of Ghent• Andrew Jackson defeated British in only land victory of the war• Had no bearing on outcome of war, but was huge boost to American morale – National Pride Soared!

back

C. Results of the War of 18121. The Hartford Convention (1814) – New England

states opposed War of 1812 2. narrowly rejected plan to secede from Union but

approved proposal to amend Constitution to require two-thirds approval by Congress to declare war

3. news of Jackson’s victory in New Orleans and the Treaty of Ghent ended criticisms – made Americans proud, patriotic, nationalistic

4. Jackson’s “upset” victory started period of great nationalism, “The Era of Good Feelings” – it felt good to be an American

Legacy of the War of 18121. After “Surviving” 2 wars w/Britain US earned international respect.

a.k.a. “2nd War for Independence”2. Treaty of Ghent restored the status quo antebellum3. Canada became permanent neighbor to north as result of the Rush-

Bagot Treaty4. Removed British presence in West clearing way for westward

expansion5. Federalist Party died / only Republicans left (Hartford Convention)6. War heroes Jackson and Harrison became next generation of leaders.7. Battle of New Orleans caused national pride to soar – “Nationalism”8. Process of economic, cultural, and political “Americanization” began.9. Started the “Era of Good Feelings” (1815 – 1824)10. Disruption of trade w/Britain forced economic independence –

manufacturing of own goods 11. Industrialization begins in the Northeast and spreads westward

back