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President Madison Takes office
President Madison takes office in March 1809. As the War went on Federalist critics of President Madison spoke more strongly. Critizing vwhat they called "Mr. Madisons war" when he took office. From the start, there had been opposition to the War of 1812 within tehe United States. New Englanders did not like the war, mainly because the blockade had damaged New England trade. -
Period: to
The War Of 1812
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War Hawks Take Power
The War Hawks take power in March 1810. Clay,Calhoun and their supporters were called War Hawks. War Hawks were people who were eager for war with Britain. Opposition to war was the strongest in New England. Many New Englanders belived that war with Britain would harm American trade. -
Relations with Great Brtain Worsen
Tension with Great Britain were high when James Madison took office in 1809. Americans were angry at Britain for arming Native Americans in the NorthWest. Americans also resented the continued impressment of American sailors by British.To most Americans the countrys honor was at stake.The British told America they would continue impressment to the American Sailors. -
Congress Declares War on Britain
Congress declared war on Great Britain. The war did not come at a good time for the British, who were still at war in Europe.When war began Americans were pretty sure they were going to win. Soon they realized they were not prepared. Jeffersons spending cuts had weakend the military strenght. -
America is not ready for war
America is not ready for war. Jeffersons spending cuts had weakend the military. The Navy only had 16 warships ready for action. The army was also small only 7000 men. In the first days of the war Britain set up a Blockade off the American coast. -
Britain blockades the American Ports
Early in the War British set up Blockades off the American coast. Blockade is the action of shutting a port or road to prevent people or suppliesfrom coming into an area or leaving it. By 1814 the British navy had 135 warships blockading american Ports. After reinforcing their troops, the British were able to close off all American ports by the wars end. -
Invasion of Canada
Even before the war began,War Hawks were demanding an invasion of Canada.They are expected Canadians to welcome the chance to throw off British rule.In July 1812 American troops under General William Hull invaded Canada from Detriot. Hull was unsure of Himself.Fearing he did not have enough soilders, and soon he retreated. -
USS Constituition scores a victory
A major sea battle was fought at the begining of the war. In August 1812, the USS Constitution defeated the British warship Guerriere in a feirce battle.According to tradition, American sailors nicknamed the constituion because british fire bounced off the ships thick wooden hull. To America it seemed to be the Constitution was made of iron. "Old Ironsides". -
The Battle of Lake Erie
America were better off on the Lake Erie. Both sides were aware of the importance of controlling the Lake. A three Hour battle at Put-in-bay in the west part of the bay in 1813.In the battle the American flagship was damaged badly.An American commander Oliver Hazard Perry switched over to a different ship and kept fighting until he won. -
The Battle of Thames
As the British and the Native Americans allies retreated, the Americans under General William pursued them. They followed the British into Canada, defeating them in the battle of Thames. Tecumseh was amoung those killed in the battle.His death in the battle of Thames dealt a blow to Native American resistance. -
The Battle of Horseshoe Bend
In March 1814, Jackson defeated the Creeks at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. The Treaty that ended the fighting force the creeks to give up millions of acres of land.The Native Americans also suffers a loss in the south.In the summer of 1813 creek warriors attacked several southern american settlements. -
Washington D.C. attacked and Burned
The British srategy was to attack the nations capitol Washington D.C. .In August 1814 a Britishforce marched into the city. Dolly Madison the Presidents wifegathered up all of the president papers and left the white house. The British set fire to several building including the white house.The americans were shocked to know to army could not defend the nation capitol. -
Attack on Baltimore & the writing of the star spangled banner
The Britishs first objective was Fort McHenery.Which defended the citys harbor. British warships bombarded the fort through the night.Francis scott key was a young American who watched the attack until dawn when he saw the american flag over the fort.The Americans won.Key wrote A poem called the star spangled banner on the back of an envolope. The poem told the story of what he saw that night.The poem became popular and set to music.In 1931 it became the national anthem. -
Hartford Convention
A group of federlists met in Hartford Connecticut and suggested that New England states withdraw from the United states.Before they made a decision news of a peace treaty arrived.The war was over and the Hartford Convention ended.Once and for all the United states was independent from Britain. -
Treaty Of Ghent
Britain and the United states signed a peace treaty which ended the warpeace talks began in Ghent Belgium.On christmas eve 1814 the two sides signed the treaty of Ghent.The Newsof the treaty took several weeks to reach the United states. -
The Battle of New Orleans
Before the news of the treaty reached the United states American forces fought one more battle. The battle was lead by general Andrew Jackson.The Americans won a stunning victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans.
