War of 1812: Causes & Events (PDF)

ENFORCED MILITARY SERVICE WHY DID The British navy ruled the...

ENFORCED MILITARY SERVICE WHY DID The British navy ruled the high seas. In times of war, however, sailors were often THE UNITED STATES in short supply. During the French Revolution (1789–1799) and the Napoleonic Wars, the British Royal Navy authorized the search of port cities in Europe and DECLARE WAR? in the colonies to round up men to serve in the navy. The men would have no impressment the act of choice but to join the navy. This practice was called impressment. The units forcing individuals to serve that enforced this military service were called press gangs. in the military with or without notice As well, British navy captains chased down American merchant vessels in search of British citizens who were trying to escape impressment by working for the United States. Since citizenship was often difficult to prove, American citizens were sometimes forced into service in the British navy. Wars are destructive and tragic. They are also messy and complicated, as Estimates suggest that 10 000 American sailors were forced to serve on are the reasons causing them. The War of 1812 is no exception. A number British ships between 1793 and 1812. of factors caused the United States to declare war, once again, on Britain. The United States viewed impressment as an offence to national pride and Despite gaining their independence from Britain in 1783, many Americans deserter a soldier who the personal freedom of Americans. This was apparent in an 1807 incident felt that the British did not respect this independence. They believed that abandons military service that occurred off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia. In June 1807, HMS Leopard, without permission the British were still trying to interfere in American politics and government a British warship, fired on USS Chesapeake, an American ship, for failing to decision making. stop so that the British could search for deserters. Deserters are soldiers FIGURE 6.2 This 1884 engraving who leave military service without permission. Although the numbers vary, THE NAPOLEONIC WARS by American illustrator Howard Pyle shows a British press gang some sources indicate three men on the Chesapeake were killed and another By 1812, Britain was already heavily engaged in a war with France. from HMS Leopard investigating 18 were wounded. Others were taken prisoner by the British and put on USS Chesapeake on June 22, 1807. trial, including three Americans. The Americans were enraged. Examine an Napoleon Bonaparte, an ambitious military leader, had become the ruler of Analyze: What does the body France. The Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) pitted the French Empire against language of the inspectors and of illustration of the incident, shown in Figure 6.2. Why was impressment a other European powers, including Britain and Spain. Napoleon was in a the man being inspected tell you source of tension between the United States and Britain? about the practice of impressment? position to overtake Britain. With Britain focused on fighting France in Europe, the Americans saw an opportunity to gain control of North America. Neither the Americans nor the British thought that Upper and Lower Canada would be significant in this conflict. However, both powers soon discovered the importance of these colonies in determining the outcome of the war. Examine the painting in Figure 6.1. What does the painting reveal about how Americans viewed their relationship with Britain? FIGURE 6.1 American artist John Archibald Woodside created this painting, entitled We Owe Allegiance to No Crown, in 1814. “Crown” is a reference to the British monarchy. Analyze: How does the artist indicate that the United States is independent from Britain? 166 UNIT 2: Conflicts and Challenges in Canada: 1800–1850 NEL NEL CHAPTER 6: The War of 1812 167  RESTRICTIONS ON TRADE TECUMSEH AND TENSKWATAWA Britain’s conflict with France also affected the ability of the United States Tecumseh was a Shawnee chief and military leader. He opposed the expansion to trade with other countries. As Britain gained the upper hand on the of American territories into the Ohio River Valley. His brother, Tenskwatawa, What long-term impact seas, Napoleon tried to destroy his enemy economically. In 1806, Napoleon was a spiritual leader of the Shawnee. The brothers had similar goals for do you think Britain’s ordered European nations under French control to stop trading with Britain. First Nations in America. Tenskwatawa wanted to unify First Nations peoples conflicts with France Britain responded by using its naval power to block cargo ships that were as one community. Tecumseh proposed an Indian Confederacy in which all and the United States entering or leaving those European ports. In 1807, Britain issued laws, called First Nations would unite and live on protected lands. His goal was to reclaim had on Canada? Orders in Council, that called for neutral nations (those not taking sides territory for the confederacy that had been lost to American settlers. Look in the war, such as the United States) to stop trading with France and its at Figure 6.4, which shows a confrontation in 1810 between Tecumseh and allies. Read the excerpt in Figure 6.3 by Thomas Jefferson, the American William Henry Harrison, governor of the Indiana Territory. Tecumseh was president from 1801 to 1809. How do you think the United States reacted to protesting Harrison’s role in acquiring First Nations lands, which paved the way the restrictions? for expanding American settlements. What details has the artist used to suggest FIGURE 6.4 This undated a peaceful resolution to the issue was not possible? engraving, called Genl. Tecumseh’s confederacy was dealt a significant blow on November 7, Harrison & Tecumseh, was FIGURE 6.3 This excerpt is from a letter written by former American “[Britain] forbade us to trade with any nation without entering 1811. Tenskwatawa and his warriors launched an attack against Harrison’s created by American illustrator John Reuben Chapin. The president Jefferson to Consul and paying duties in their ports on both the outward and inward cargo. forces, despite warnings from Tecumseh to wait until the confederacy was colour was added at a later James Maury on June 16, 1815. As united and strong. The Americans defeated Tenskwatawa at the Battle of Thus, to carry a cargo of cotton from Savannah to St. Mary’s, and take date. It depicts a clash between an American consul in Great Britain, Maury represented the interests returns in fruits, for example, our vessel was to go to England, enter and Tippecanoe. Tecumseh went on to lead First Nations warriors against the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh and Governor Harrison at Harrison’s of the United States in England. pay a duty on her cottons there, return to St. Mary’s, then go back to Americans during the War of 1812. Tecumseh’s confederacy allied with the Indiana home in 1810. Analyze: With Analyze: What British practices British in part to defend the First Nations way of life and lands from the England to enter and pay a duty on her fruits, and then return to Savannah, whose perspective—Tecumseh’s or described in this excerpt do you think the Americans would view as after crossing the Atlantic four times, and paying tributes [payments] on ongoing expansion of the United States. Harrison’s—do you think the artist is more sympathetic? Why? grounds for war? both cargoes to England, instead of the direct passage of a few hours. And taking ships not doing this, the [British say], is no aggression.” — Thomas Jefferson, former American president Britain did not consider taking American ships that challenged its Orders in Council to be an act of aggression. The United States held a different view. In response, the United States passed its own laws to restrict trade involving Britain and France. The Embargo Act, 1807 was intended to slow or stop the movement of American goods that supplied the British and French war efforts. The Embargo Act, 1807 backfired, however. Rather than achieving its goal of getting Britain to back off, the legislation further harmed the American economy and its citizens. American farmers and merchants were not able to sell or trade their goods abroad. CHALLENGE TO EXPANSION Another source of tension was the British support for the creation of neutral First Nations territories. The Americans believed that they needed to protect American settlements on the southern and western frontiers, in places such as Ohio and Kentucky, from the Shawnee and other First Nations. The Shawnee and their allies were equally determined to stop the American expansion and drive out the settlers from First Nations lands. Some Americans believed that the British in Upper and Lower Canada were providing weapons to First Nations resisting American settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains. 168 UNIT 2: Conflicts and Challenges in Canada: 1800–1850 NEL NEL CHAPTER 6: The War of 1812 169  AMERICAN EXPECTATIONS South Carolina congressman John C. Calhoun was another well-known War Hawk, like Clay. Based on his statement in Figure 6.7, what challenges does he anticipate from an invasion of Upper and Lower Canada? FIGURE 6.7 Calhoun delivered “I believe that in four weeks from the time a declaration of this statement in March 1812, three war is heard on our frontier, the whole of Upper Canada and a part of months before the United States declared war. Analyze: How are Lower Canada will be in our power.” the statements in Figures 6.6 and 6.7 similar? — Congressman John C. Calhoun On June 18, 1812, the United States officially declared war on FIGURE 6.5 This 1872 painting by Britain. In his proclamation released the next day, shown in Figure 6.8, John Gast is entitled American President Madison mentions love of country as a motivating force. Progress and represents American ideas of expansion into the West. Analyze: What symbols in this painting represent American ways And I do moreover exhort [urge] all the good people of life? of the United States, as they love their country … that they exert themselves in preserving order, in promoting THE CALL FOR WAR concord [harmony], in maintaining the authority and the Expanding American settlement farther and farther west was a priority efficacy of the laws, and in supporting and invigorating all the measures which may be adopted by the Constituted for many American politicians throughout the 1800s. Many Americans How might Authorities, for obtaining a speedy, just, and an viewed the takeover of North America as not only their duty, but also their America’s idea of honourable peace. right. They believed it was their mission to spread American culture and westward expansion “civilization” throughout as much of the continent as possible. For some, affect future relations with Canada? FIGURE 6.8 President Madison issued this this mission had a religious connection. Examine Figure 6.5. The angelic proclamation of war against Britain on June 19, 1812. figure represents the spirit of America, leading settlers westward and driving Analyze: What do you think the terms of a “just, and an First Nations peoples off their land. honourable peace” would be for the American people? WAR HAWKS Several American politicians under President James Madison, Thomas During his presidency, Jefferson had tried to avoid another war with Jefferson’s successor, supported a war with Britain. They were concerned Britain. On August 4, 1812, however, Jefferson wrote a letter to journalist about Britain’s interference in American shipping and and military officer Colonel William Duane. Figure 6.9 is an excerpt from exports. They were also concerned about Britain’s challenge Jefferson’s letter. How does he suggest that America could, once and for all, to westward expansion. “The conquest of Canada is in secure its independence? Nicknamed War Hawks because of their demand for your power.… Is it nothing to the British armed conflict, these politicians pressured President nation—is it nothing to the pride of her FIGURE 6.9 This excerpt is from a Madison to take action. One particularly vocal War Hawk monarch to have the last of the immense “I see, as you do, the difficulties & defects we have to letter written by Jefferson to Duane was Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky. Read the excerpt from North American possessions wrested encounter in war, and should expect disasters … but the weakness of on August 4, 1812. Analyze: What threat did Jefferson think Upper one of his speeches in Figure 6.6. What reasons does Clay [taken] from his dominion [control]? Is it our enemy there will make our first errors innocent.… The acquisition and Lower Canada would pose to give for supporting a war with Britain? nothing to us to extinguish the torch that [capture] of Canada this year, as far as the neighborhood of Québec, will the United States? lights up savage warfare? Is it nothing to be a mere matter of marching, and will give us experience for the attack acquire the entire fur trade connected of Halifax the next, and the final expulsion of England from the FIGURE 6.6 This excerpt is from a speech delivered to with that country?” American continent.” Congress by Clay on February 22, 1810. Analyze: What does Clay mean by “extinguish the torch that lights up — Senator Henry Clay — Thomas Jefferson, former American president savage warfare”? 170 UNIT 2: Conflicts and Challenges in Canada: 1800–1850 NEL NEL CHAPTER 6: The War of 1812 171 REACTIONS IN UPPER AND LOWER CANADA HISTORY AT WORK UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGIST People in Upper and Lower Canada could sense that dangerous times were ahead. The Americans had fought for their independence from We can learn a lot about past events by examining Moore has been interested in archaeology since Britain in the American Revolution, but the American settlers in primary sources, such as the diary entry by he was very young. At 14, he began archaeological Upper and Lower Canada were mostly content to remain loyal to the Anne Prevost and the quote from Jacob Cline. work through school programs. He participated in British Crown. We can also learn about past events by studying excavations throughout high school and learned However, within days of President Madison’s declaration of war historical sites. Archaeology is the study of history how to scuba dive in university. He now spends half with Britain, the police in Québec City issued the notice shown in through the excavation of sites and the analysis of of the year conducting “diving fieldwork” all around Figure 6.10, advising all American citizens to leave or face arrest. Under artifacts and other physical remains. Canada. He spends the other half of the year in his what circumstances do you think a notice like this could be issued in Jonathan Moore, shown in Figure 6.13, is an Ottawa office, researching sites and writing reports, Canada today? underwater archaeologist with Parks Canada. He to prepare for the next fieldwork season. has a particular interest in the War of 1812. He and Recently, Moore led an underwater survey of his team aim to protect “those parts of Canada’s two American warships, USS Hamilton and USS Notice is hereby given, that all Subjects or Citizens of the history found underwater.” Many of the battles in Scourge, both of which sank in Lake Ontario on said United States, and all persons claiming American the War of 1812 were fought on the water. Sunken August 8, 1813. These wrecks are well preserved Citizenship, are ordered to quit the City of Québec … on ships still remain at the battle sites. at the bottom of the lake and were accessed by pain of arrest. remotely operated vehicles. According to Moore, the survey was “like stepping back in time.” The FIGURE 6.10 This notice, issued on June 29, 1812, indicates that intact hulls of the ships contain a treasure trove of American citizens are no longer welcome in Québec City. Analyze: What impact do you think this notice had on families and communities? artifacts, such as cannons, that provide historians with evidence to help them understand the past. CANADIAN EXPECTATIONS The Americans were very confident that they would easily win the war. They did not consider that people in Upper and Lower Canada would stand up to them. Examine the words of the young British colonists in Figures 6.11 and 6.12. How do their perspectives compare with those of the FIGURE 6.13 Jonathan Moore, taking part in diving fieldwork. American politicians in Figures 6.6, 6.7, and 6.9? MAKING CONNECTIONS 1. How does archaeological evidence provide a more “On this day I saw nothing before me but my “The Americans were in high complete understanding of the past than just Father’s honour and glory. Although I knew how small spirits, and when I said I was Canadian, written or oral evidence alone? a force we had to defend the Canadas, such was my one of the officers laughed and said, 2. What fields of study would help prepare someone confidence in his talents and fortune, that I did not feel ‘You’ll soon be under the Yankey for a career in underwater archaeology? the slightest apprehension [uneasiness] of any reverse. I government, my boy.’ I was sassy, like thought those abominable [morally disgusting] Yankees most boys of my age, and I said, ‘I’m not deserved a good drubbing [beating] for having dared to so sure about that.’” think of going to War with England.” — Jacob Cline, British colonist CHECK-IN — Anne Prevost, daughter of Sir George Prevost, commander-in-chief of Canada and commander of the FIGURE 6.12 Cline was only 13 years old when he 1. CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCE What reasons did the 3. INTERPRET AND ANALYZE How do you think the British forces in North America stood up to the invading American soldiers in 1813. United States have for declaring war on Britain War of 1812 could have been avoided? Analyze: Why might a young colonist stand up to the in 1812? 4. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE For whom do you American soldiers? FIGURE 6.11 Prevost was 17 years old when she wrote this entry in her 2. COMMUNICATE Identify what you think was the think the outbreak of the War of 1812 was most diary on June 25, 1812. Analyze: What are Prevost’s feelings toward the primary cause of the War of 1812. Debate your relevant: the Americans, the British, First Nations, United States? choice in a small group to reach an agreement. or Canadians? Why? 172 UNIT 2: Conflicts and Challenges in Canada: 1800–1850 NEL NEL CHAPTER 6: The War of 1812 173