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Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
During the war between Great Britain and France, Washington declared the United States was neutral because he did not believe the U.S could withstand a war. -
Jay Treaty
Washington, along with Congress, established the Jay Treaty with Great Britain in order to keep them out of a war, even though it did not do anything and the British continued to seize American ships and sailors. -
Washington's Farewell Address
Near the end of his presidency, Washington wrote his farewell address to the citizens of the United States. In this address, he warned Americans that they should not go to war. -
Impressment of American Soldiers
The British Royal Navy was sending officers to American Ships to seize crew members who were suspected of being deserters from England. This was a big cause of the War because it showed how Britain did not respect their rights. -
Chesapeake-Leopard Affair
This was a naval engagement that occurred between the British war ship HMS Leopard and the American frigate USS Chesapeake. The British boarded the American ship and attacked and captured crew members. The commander of the Chesapeake ended up surrendering his vessel to the British warship. -
Embargo Act
Because the British and French were seizing American ships and cargo, Jefferson decided to place an embargo, which stopped all foreign trade. This ended up hurting the American economy and trade, while not hurting the enemies much at all. -
War Hawks
The War Hawks were for war, and were putting pressure onto the President, James Madison, to declare war against Britain. -
The War of 1812 Begins
In 1812, President James Madison declared war on Great Britain due to them violating American rights by seizing ships and sailors. -
Tecumseh Joins British Forces
During the war of 1812, Tecumseh, a Native American Chief who was apart of the North West Indian war and refused to sign the Greenville Treaty, joined British forces in order to gain the Support of Britain during the Indians own war against the United States. -
Tumcumseh Killed in War
During the War of 1812, Tumcumseh was killed by an American Soldier. His death led to the collapse of the alliance between the Natives and Great Britain. -
Hartford Convention
The Hartford Convention was a meeting of New England Federalist who were not in favor of the war and feared land invasion. This convention resulted in a declaration which called on the Federal government to protect New England financially support their trade economy. it also suggested changes to the constitution in which 2/3 majority had to agree to go to war. This convention was not successful because the war ended while the convention was still in session. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812. This treaty required all conquered territory to be returned, it also set up a peaceful process for settling future disputes between Great Britain and the U.S. This treaty also ended any hope Great Britain had of reclaiming territory lost in the Revolutionary War. -
Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans was the last fight of the War of 1812. This battle was the biggest victory of the war for the Americans. Although, the war was officially over because of Ghent Treaty, some Americans and British naval forces did not get the word immediately therefore they were still fighting.