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Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality responded to the spread of war in Europe. It declared that America would remain neutral in the conflict between Great Britain and France. It also warned Americans that there would be a punishment if they aided either side in the battle. -
John Jay's Treaty
John Jay’s Treaty was an agreement between the United States and Great Britain to preserve peace and neutrality. The treaty withdrew British soldiers from western forts but allowed the British to trade in the Northwest, and had them pay the damages of the American ships and cargoes seized. -
Washington's Farewell Address
Washington’s Farewell Address was a public letter that announced Washington’s retirement. This letter warns the United States from internal and external attacks. It also encourages the United States to stay united by putting its differences aside and remaining neutral when it comes to foreign conflicts. -
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Impressment of sailors
The Royal Navy would forcibly recruit men, specifically seamen from American ships. The Royal Navy would do this due to their shortages of qualified seamen and their low pay. This would later anger the United States and cause the United States to declare war on Great Britain. -
Chesapeake-Leopard Affair
The Chesapeake-Leopard affair was a naval incident between the British HMS Leopard and the American frigate USS Chesapeake near Norfolk, Virginia. The British attacked and entered the American frigate searching for deserters from the British Navy. The British took four American crew members and tried them for desertion, but only one of them was a deserter. -
Embargo Act of 1807
The Embargo Act of 1807 was placed by President Thomas Jefferson in order to prohibit American ships from trading with foreign countries, specifically France and Great Britain. This was a failed attempt because it harmed the American economy more than intended. -
Tecumseh
The Shawnee Chief Tecumseh traveled around the United States to gather allies that wanted to prevent Americans from expanding westward into native lands, which would be known as the “Tecumseh’s confederacy.” He met with William Henry Harrison to attempt from expanding westward, but Harrison did want to negotiate. Tecumseh later fled north to ally with Great Britain. -
War Hawks
The War Hawks were members of Congress, mainly from Southern and Western states, that influenced and pressured President Madison to declare war against Great Britain. The War Hawks, including Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, wanted to add Canada and Florida and expand westward. -
War of 1812 begins
On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain after rising tensions. This was a risky move from the United States considering that their army had 7,000 soldiers and 6 warships. Unlike the United States, Great Britain had nearly 400 warships. -
Tecumseh
On October 5, 1813, William Henry Harrison attacked the British army and their Indian allies at the Thames River. Harrison defeated the British and killed the Native American leader, Tecumseh. -
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Hartford Convention
Federalist delegates gathered in Hartford, Connecticut to discuss the War of 1812. The convention proposed a series of amendments that would protect New England's interests. It also proposed abolishing the 3/5 compromise, requiring 2/3 of the Senate to declare war and a 60-day limit on any embargo. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent was an agreement between Great Britain and the United States to end the War of 1812. In the treaty, Great Britain agreed to pass over claims to the Northwest Territory and both countries agreed to work towards ending slavery. This treaty was not put into full effect because, after this treaty, the battle of New Orleans occurred. -
Battle of New Orleans
This battle was fought between Great Britain and the United States, led by Andrew Jackson. Great Britain was defeated by the Americans. This made Great Britain realize that they did not have the chance to reestablish their continental influence in the Northwest. It made the United States a foreign power.