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Impressment of sailors
The British taking American sailors into the Royal Navy by compulsion, with or without notice. Jefferson issued a proclamation ordering British warships to leave U.S. territorial waters, the British reacted by impressing more sailors. The impressment of American sailors was one of the main reasons for the War of 1812. -
Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality
Declared American neutrality in the struggle between Great Britain and France. -
Jay Treaty
A treaty between the United States and Great Britain that sought to avert war by settling outstanding issues between the two countries that had been left unresolved after the Treaty of Paris. The treaty angered many in the Democratic-Republican Party, they argued that closer ties with Britain would bring back more of a monarchical system. Federalist Party argued that the treaty was sound economically and was necessary to keep the country growing westward. -
Washington’s Farewell Address
A letter that informed the American people of Washington's retirement. In his letter he warned against long-term alliances with any foreign nations, and stressed the importance of the Union that bonded all Americans together and provided for their freedom and prosperity. -
Chesapeake-Leopard Affair
A naval engagement off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia, between the British warship HMS Leopard and the American frigate USS Chesapeake. Leopard attacked, and boarded the American frigate, looking for deserters from the Royal Navy. The captain of the Leopard killed three Americans and wounded eighteen. British officers seized a handful of suspected deserters. -
Embargo Act of 1807
a law passed by the United State Congress and signed by President Thomas Jefferson, which prohibited American ships from trading in all foreign ports -
War Hawks
War Hawks (people who favored war) lead by Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun were elected to congress. -
Battle of Tippecanoe
William Henry Harrison moved a force of 1,000 men to Prophetstown and entrenched themselves on a nearby hill. On November 6, the Prophet sent a message asking to meet with Harrison. Then, during the early hours of November 7, the Tecumseh's brother launched a sneak attack on his camp. The Native Americans were thrown back and the victorious Americans burned the town. In the aftermath, Tecumseh returned to try and rebuild his shattered confederacy. -
War of 1812
A conflict fought between the United States and Great Britain over British violations of U.S. maritime rights. It ended with the exchange of ratifications of the Treaty of Ghent. -
Siege of Detroit
British forces were stationed just outside the range of the Americans' guns, Tecumseh had his warriors repeatedly parade out from a nearby wooded area and circle back, making it appear that their numbers were much greater. Fearing a massacre, American commander Brigadier-General William Hull surrendered. -
Battle of the Thames
The British, with about 600 regulars and 1,000 Indian allies under Tecumseh were greatly outnumbered and quickly defeated. Many British troops were captured and Tecumseh was killed. After this battle, most of the tribes abandoned their association with the British. -
Hartford Convention
Secret meetings in Hartford, Connecticut, of Federalist delegates from Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont to discuss constitutional means to protect New England interests. The convention expressed its grievances in a series of resolutions against military conscription and commercial regulations that were agreed to on January 4, 1815. By the time the emissaries arrived, the war, along with the national crisis it had brought about, had ended. -
Treaty of Ghent
The peace treaty that ended the War of 1812. The treaty stated all conquered territory was to be returned, and commissions were planned to settle the boundary of the United States and Canada. Although the treaty said nothing about two of the key issues that started the war it did open up the Great Lakes region to American expansion and was hailed as a diplomatic victory in the United States. It did not solve any of the problems that caused the war -
Battle of New Orleans
Two weeks after the War of 1812 officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, the British marched against New Orleans, hoping that by capturing the city they could separate Louisiana from the rest of the United States. In half an hour, the British had retreated, General Pakenham was dead, and nearly 2,000 of his men were killed, wounded, or missing. U.S. forces suffered only eight killed and 13 wounded.