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Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
George Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality of 1793 declared that America would remain neutral during the conflicts of Britain and France, allowing punishment of Americans who assisted either side of the war. -
Jay Treaty of 1794
The Jay Treaty between Britain and America addressed the violations of the Treaty of Paris, including the refusal to leave British posts around the Great Lakes and reparations for damages cargo and seizure of ships of the prior impressment of 1793 and 1794. It allowed Britain to continue in the fur-trade, but it did not solve any major problems. However, it was the last resort to peace between the nations. France did not react well to the Jay Treaty, and they began to seize American ships. -
Washington's Farewell Address
On September 17, 1796, George Washington announced that he would not be returning to presidency for a third term, after serving nearly 20 years in service to the United States and 8 years as president to retire at his home at Mount Vernon. His farewell address embodied the core beliefs Washington hoped to guide and lead the United States as they progressed through war, crisis, and success. -
The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair
During the period of British ships seizing and capturing wrongly accused 'British' deserters in 1807, the USS Chesapeake, led by James Barron, refused to yield to the British orders to halt so the British HMS Leopard could search and seize cargo and sailors on the USS Chesapeake. This led to an altercation between the two ships. The HMS Leopard shot across the bow of the USS Chesapeake and sent 3 shots through the Chesapeake, killing Barron and 3 men, injuring 18. -
The Embargo Act of 1807
The Embargo Act of 1807 was passed by Thomas Jefferson as non-violent resistance to the seizure and capturing of American ships by the British and the French. It restricted American trade with both countries, and it led to the decrease of American economy, facing large backlash from American citizens. -
The Impressment of American Seamen
The British Navy captured American sailors and their ships who pertained neutral trade with Britain and France under neutral flags. Many of the imprisoned men were forced into the British forces against the Napoleonic French. The British Navy would board ships, seize cargo, and capture sailors who were accused of deserting the British Navy, forcing them into combat. The seizing of American seamen acted as one of the causes of the War of 1812. -
The War Hawks
The War Hawks were an organization that believed in territorial expansion in the Northwest and Florida. The organization was primarily comprised of southern men and western politicians from Congress. They heavily resented the American humiliation and economic frustrations that came along with the wars between Napoleon and his conquering of Europe and conflicts with Britain. The War Hawks promoted American patriotism and heavy resentment against Britain, leading to the War of 1812. -
Tecumseh
Tecumseh was a war chief and a Shawnee political leader. He led Native American forces against American troops with the British. -
War of 1812 Begins
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Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812, signed by the British and American representatives at Ghent, Belgium. It opened up the Great Lakes region to American expansion. -
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The Hartford Convention
The Hartford Convention was a secret meeting between the federalist delegates of CT, RI, MA, NH, and VT to debate their dissent on James Madison's mercantile policies and the progress of the War of 1812. They created and agreed on a series of grievances against Madison and adopted a state-centric position in government to combat the imbalance of power of Virginia's control in national government. The secrecy of the meetings discredited the convention, leading to the fall of the federalist party. -
The Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of the New Orleans was the last battle of the War of 1812, taking place after the Treaty of Ghent was signed. Word of the treaty did not reach them until a month or two later. General Andrew Jackson led the American troops, a mix of slaves, pirates, Indians, and fighters. The American victory in the New Orleans soiled the British plans of invading the American frontier. Americans concluded it as a victory, leading national pride and unity nation and statewide.
