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Questions and Answers
Who was the president of the U.S. at the time of the War of 1812?
Who was the president of the U.S. at the time of the War of 1812?
James Madison
Describe James Madison.
Describe James Madison.
4th president, served from 1809-1817, the War of 1812 consumed most of his presidency, served 2 terms, from Virginia, was a Republican.
Who were the 'War Hawks' and why did they want war?
Who were the 'War Hawks' and why did they want war?
Young members of Congress from the South and West who wanted to go to war with Great Britain to gain land.
What do the terms 'War Hawks' and 'Doves' describe in Congress?
What do the terms 'War Hawks' and 'Doves' describe in Congress?
What party were the War Hawks from?
What party were the War Hawks from?
What was the golden opportunity the War Hawks saw?
What was the golden opportunity the War Hawks saw?
Since the U.S. wants to gain land, where are they planning to go?
Since the U.S. wants to gain land, where are they planning to go?
What is impressment?
What is impressment?
What group of Americans did not want to go to war and why?
What group of Americans did not want to go to war and why?
What were the three ways the U.S. went to war with Britain?
What were the three ways the U.S. went to war with Britain?
Why was the U.S. invasion of Canada unsuccessful?
Why was the U.S. invasion of Canada unsuccessful?
Why did the British wait until 1814 to take the offensive?
Why did the British wait until 1814 to take the offensive?
Where did the British invade when they attacked the U.S.?
Where did the British invade when they attacked the U.S.?
What did Francis Scott Key write during the battle on Fort McHenry?
What did Francis Scott Key write during the battle on Fort McHenry?
Who became a hero as a result of the Battle of New Orleans?
Who became a hero as a result of the Battle of New Orleans?
Which country had a stronger navy, the U.S. or Britain?
Which country had a stronger navy, the U.S. or Britain?
Who was responsible for the American naval victory on Lake Erie?
Who was responsible for the American naval victory on Lake Erie?
What was the significance of the victory on Lake Erie?
What was the significance of the victory on Lake Erie?
What effect did the British blockade in 1814 have on the U.S.?
What effect did the British blockade in 1814 have on the U.S.?
Did the U.S. win a few battles?
Did the U.S. win a few battles?
What was the peace treaty called?
What was the peace treaty called?
What were the terms of the Treaty of Ghent?
What were the terms of the Treaty of Ghent?
How did communications affect the War of 1812?
How did communications affect the War of 1812?
What was the Hartford Convention?
What was the Hartford Convention?
What are two reasons the Federalists disappeared?
What are two reasons the Federalists disappeared?
Why did the U.S. win the Battle on Lake Erie?
Why did the U.S. win the Battle on Lake Erie?
Why does Britain have a large navy?
Why does Britain have a large navy?
Why did Britain cut off U.S. trade?
Why did Britain cut off U.S. trade?
What would happen if we lost the war with Britain?
What would happen if we lost the war with Britain?
Why did Britain want the 13 colonies when they first made them?
Why did Britain want the 13 colonies when they first made them?
What was the peace treaty signed for?
What was the peace treaty signed for?
What was the result of the Treaty of Ghent?
What was the result of the Treaty of Ghent?
What did the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 have in common?
What did the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 have in common?
What was different about the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812?
What was different about the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812?
Why did the U.S. feel good about tying with Britain?
Why did the U.S. feel good about tying with Britain?
What did tying with Britain show?
What did tying with Britain show?
What did surviving the British blockade show the U.S.?
What did surviving the British blockade show the U.S.?
What happened when the Federalists disappeared?
What happened when the Federalists disappeared?
What did the results of the War of 1812 increase?
What did the results of the War of 1812 increase?
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Study Notes
War of 1812 Overview
- The War of 1812 occurred between the United States and Great Britain, primarily over maritime issues and territorial expansions.
- James Madison served as the 4th President from 1809 to 1817, with the war occupying much of his presidency.
James Madison
- Madison was a founding father, known as the "Father of the Constitution."
- He was a Republican from Virginia and served two terms in office.
War Hawks
- "War Hawks" were young, politically active Congress members from the South and West advocating for war against Britain to expand U.S. territory and influence.
- They believed that with Britain preoccupied by the Napoleonic Wars, the U.S. had a golden opportunity to strike.
Republican Party and War Stance
- The War Hawks were primarily Republicans, a party representing agrarian interests and land acquisition.
- In Congress, terms "War Hawks" referred to those favoring war while "Doves" described those advocating for peace.
Causes of War
- Major war causes included impressment of American sailors by Britain and British interference with Native American relations in the Northwest Territory.
- The Federalists opposed the war due to its potential to disrupt trade, fearing economic consequences.
Military Challenges
- The U.S. faced significant military disadvantages, lacking experience and resources, leading to initial failures, notably in the invasion of Canada.
- Leadership issues and internal divisions hampered effective military response.
British Strategies
- Britain delayed intensifying its military efforts against the U.S. until 1814, focusing on the war with Napoleon.
- British forces captured Washington, D.C., burning key governmental buildings including the White House.
Key Battles
- Fort McHenry in Baltimore was crucial; American forces successfully defended against British attack, inspiring "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key.
- The Battle of New Orleans, occurring after the Treaty of Ghent was signed, resulted in a decisive American victory led by Andrew Jackson.
Naval Warfare
- The British Navy was dominant, with around 1,000 ships compared to the U.S.'s 17. Naval victories, like that on Lake Erie under Oliver Hazard Perry, showcased U.S. determination and capability.
Treaty of Ghent
- The Treaty of Ghent, signed in December 1814, ended the war without territorial gains for either side.
- Key issues, such as impressment and maritime rights, were not addressed by the treaty.
Post-War Impact
- Following the war, the Federalist Party declined, seen as traitors for their opposition to the war during the Hartford Convention.
- The war increased national pride, unity, and marked a turning point for American identity and international status.
Legacy of the War
- The War of 1812 reinforced American independence and demonstrated resilience against a major power.
- It fostered a spirit of nationalism and greater confidence in the U.S. as a sovereign nation.
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