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Period: to
War of 1812
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The Chesapeake Affair
Since the end of the Revolutionary war, the British had been impressing, taking, British sailors who were on American ships and forcing them to work on British ships. The British seized an American naval vessel and seized four sailors. -
The Embargo Act
The Embargo Act was implemented by Jefferson in order to pressure France and Britain into respecting American neutrality. The embargo only hurt the American economy. -
Non-Intercourse Act
Madison passed the Non-Intercourse act because the embargoes were failing. They opened trade to all nations except Britain and France. Trading would open up with the two countries if they stopped violating neutrality rights. -
Madison Declares War
Madison realized that war with Britain was inevitabale. He listed many greivances as to why he chose war. -
American Offensives
This was the first of three American offensives into Canada that failed. This started in Detroit and led into Canada, but the supply lines were cut off and they were forced to surrender. -
Lake Erie
W.H.H. realized that the only way to take Canada was through Lake Erie. He and Oliver Perry defeated the British at Put-in-Bay and retook Detroit. -
The Battle of Bladensburg
The British army landed in Washington and met a large American force. The American militia fled and the British descended on Washington. Madison fled to the hills. -
Lake Champlain
The British resolved that they had to take Lake Champlain before taking Plattsburgh, but an American naval squadron under Macdonough defeated the British forces. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent was signed and three days later was ratified by the British. The treaty kept the status quo ante bellum/ the state of things before the war. -
The Battle of New Orleans
Word had not reached America yet that a treaty had been signed. The British attacked Andrew Jackson in New Orleans, but the Americans thrashed the British Red Coats only losing 13 men.