The War of 1812
War: The Second War for Independence
The War of 1812, called America’s “second war for independence” saw a young and underprepared nation of America take on the greatest naval power in the world, Great Britain. Leading up to this war had been what the U.S. saw as many acts of aggression committed by the British. There was an ongoing conflict between Great Britain and France that affected the ability of the United States to continue to expand their territory and trade with other nations.
President Thomas Jefferson’s Embargo Act of 1807 which blocked all international trade at U.S. ports ended up backfiring, and with an economic depression at their door, the U.S. repealed the act. It was replaced with the Non-Intercourse Act which only blocked trade with Great Britain and France. This, too, didn’t help the United States, and was replaced with a new bill in 1810 by President James Madison. This bill stated that if either France or Britain removed their trade restrictions with the U.S., they would prohibit trading with the other, opposing, nation. Napoleon Bonaparte, ruler of France, used this to his advantage and began trading with the U.S., fanning the flames of conflict with Great Britain even further.
America’s desire to take on larger swaths of land stood in direct opposition to the Native Americans also. The British, in turn, were supporting the Native Americans with guns, ammunition, and food to keep the Americans in check in their bid to expand. In 1811, the Battle of Tippecanoe, where U.S. forces defeated Native Americans led by Shawnee chief Tecumseh in Indiana, convinced more Native Americans to stand in defense against the Americans and their land-grabbing efforts.
The British further conflicted with the United States due to their tactic called “impressment” on American ships. The Royal Navy would seize American ships in the opens seas and force their sailors to fight for the Royal Navy. Several congressmen – nicknamed “War Hawks” – such as Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, pushed for war against the British for all these reasons. Despite much disagreement among congress, the decision was made. The young American nation made its first declaration of war on June 18, 1812, signed by President James Madison.
Have you ever had a conflict or fight with a friend or sibling, only to find that another friend or sibling joins in against you? How did it make you feel?
