APUSH Chapter 12 Review

War of 1812

• Conflict primarily driven by the interests of the West and South; the Northeast opposed it.
• Aimed to defend American trade against British interference.

Key Figures

• Oliver Hazard Perry: Achieved victory at Lake Erie, crucial in pushing the British out of Detroit.
• William Henry Harrison: Led American forces to victory at the Battle of the Thames, resulting in Tecumseh's death.
• Captain Thomas MacDonough: Stopped British efforts to invade New York.

Notable Battles

• Battle of the Thames: Harrison's significant win against British troops; marked end of Tecumseh's influence.
• Bladensburg: Site where British forces overwhelmed American troops before burning the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
• Fort McHenry: Fortification successfully defended against British assault, inspiring the national anthem.

Key Events

• Battle of Horseshoe Bend: Andrew Jackson defeated Native American forces in Alabama, solidifying U.S. territorial claims.
• Battle of New Orleans: Major victory led by Jackson in January 1815, occurring after the Treaty of Ghent was signed but before news reached the U.S.

Treaties and Political Movements

• Treaty of Ghent: Ended the War of 1812, establishing an armistice.
• Hartford Convention: Meeting of New England states to discuss grievances regarding the war, reflecting regional tensions.

Economic Agreements

• Rush-Bagot Agreement: Limited naval power on the Great Lakes, indicating improved U.S.-UK relations.
• The American System: Economic plan by Henry Clay focusing on a strong banking system, protective tariffs, and infrastructure development.

Economic Turmoil

• Panic of 1819: Economic downturn triggered by over-speculation in land; affected the West severely.
• Wildcat Banks: Financial institutions that provided easy credit and printed their own currency, contributing to economic instability.

Legislative Compromises

• Tallmadge Amendment: Suggested gradual emancipation and limitations on slavery in Missouri.
• Missouri Compromise: Allowed Missouri as a slave state while Maine entered as free; established a boundary for future states regarding slavery.

Landmark Supreme Court Cases

• McCullough vs. Maryland: Affirmed the constitutionality of the Second Bank of the U.S. using the Elastic Clause.
• Cohens vs. Virginia: Established the Supreme Court's authority to review state court decisions.
• Gibbons vs. Ogden: Confirmed that only Congress can regulate interstate commerce.
• Fletcher vs. Peck: Affirmed the sanctity of contracts, ruling that state laws could not retroactively invalidate legal agreements.
• Dartmouth College vs. Woodward: Reinforced that contracts are protected from state interference.

Treaties and Borders

• Treaty of 1818: Established U.S.-Canada border at the 49th parallel; allowed shared use of Newfoundland’s fishing waters.
• Florida Purchase Treaty: Acquired Florida from Spain for $5 million; Spain relinquished claims to Oregon.

Foreign Policy Developments

• Monroe Doctrine: Declared opposition to European colonialism in the Americas, emphasizing non-intervention.
• Russo-American Treaty of 1824: Defined boundaries for Russian territories in North America.

Definitions

• Nationalism: Strong patriotic feelings, often leading to aggressive policies.
• Depression: Extended economic downturn marked by declining activity and rising unemployment.
• Boom: Period of rapid economic growth or price increases.

Key Concepts

• Peculiar Institution: Refers to American slavery, highlighting its societal impacts.
• Mediate: Refers to intervention in conflicts to promote agreement among disputing parties.
• Contract: Legally binding agreement between parties to fulfill specified duties.

Test your knowledge with flashcards covering key events and figures from Chapter 12 of Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH). This chapter focuses on the War of 1812 and notable leaders, helping you prepare for exams with essential definitions and context.