The War of 1812 or “Mr. Madison’s War”

ANOTHER WAR WITH BRITAIN

James Madison takes office in 1809 Americans are angry at British for a. arming Native Americans in Northwest b. impressing sailors during war with France

JAMES MADISON FACES TENSION

Nationalism = Pride in one country

NATIONALISM

Henry Clay of Kentucky and John C. Calhoun of SC are strong NATIONALISTS and WAR HAWKS

War Hawks = those who are eager for war with Britain

June 1812: Congress declares war on Britain

NATIONALISM AND THE WAR HAWKS

Henry Clay John C. Calhoun

War not at good time for British (still at war in Europe)

Get Native Americans to help them.

Yikes! America’s not prepared either! (Remember TJ weakened the military)

Blockade of ports by British- by 1814, 135 ships blocking

One of biggest naval battles: USS Constitution (“Old Iron Sides”) defeats British warship, Guerière

EARLY DAYS OF THE WAR

British Attack Washington a. August 1814 b. British set fire to several gov’t buildings c. Americans= “How can this happen?”

British attack Baltimore a. Try to attack Ft. McHenry, defends city’s harbor b. Americans win, flag stays up through night c. “The Star-Spangled Banner” is written (1931 became National Anthem)

FINAL BATTLES

1814, British tired of war No clear victory Christmas Eve, 1814 sign Treaty of Ghent Things back to way they were before the war Europe gives respect to young nation

WAR ENDS

Monroe of VA elected President in 1816, 1820 Federalist Party loses power, disappears Monroe promotes NATIONAL UNITY

ERA OF GOOD FEELINGS

Stay tuned for next time

BUT IT WASN’T ALL GOOD FEELINGS