Lesson 2-The War of 1812

Read each of the scenarios on the following slides. After each statement choose whether you agree or disagree. You may also choose to remain neutral.

What does it mean to be neutral?

It is more important for students to study history and literature than it is for them to study science and mathematics.

All students should be required to study art and music in high school.

Reading fiction (such as novels and short stories) is more enjoyable than watching movies.

Only people who earn a lot of money are successful.

Children should be required to help with household tasks as soon as they are able to do so.

People behave differently when they wear different clothes. Do you agree that different clothes influence the way people behave?

When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.

Have you ever experienced friends or family members having a disagreement? Did you try to stay out of it or did you get involved and take sides?

Discuss with your table. Everyone should get a chance to talk!

On the Brink of War!❏ France is still at war with Britain.❏ Thomas Jefferson and the United States tried to stay neutral.❏ We traded with both Britain and France and did not want to

jeopardize this by picking sides.❏ Britain and France did not like that we refused to pick sides.❏ Britain forced American sailors to serve on British ships which

angered Americans!

Thomas Jefferson

On the Brink of War!● To stop American sailors from being forced to serve in the

British army, Congress passed the Embargo Act in 1807.● This act prevented all trade in American waters.● Unfortunately, this only hurt America’s economy.● We continued to remain neutral in the war between Britain and

France.● Tensions rise...

War Declared!

★ “War Hawks” were a group of Americans that wanted to go to war with Great Britain.

★ Look back at your textbook. What reason did the “War Hawks” have to fight Great Britain? Why were they especially angry?

Mr. Madison’s War❖ In June 1812, Congress and President James Madison

declared war with Great Britain. (Note that we have a new President.)

❖ Not all Americans supported this war. Why?❖ What is ironic about the name War of 1812?

James Madison

The Course of the War➢ In the beginning, most fighting occurred west of the

Appalachian Mountains and in Canada.➢ In 1814, the British invaded the U.S. and destroyed important

government building in Washington D.C. such as The White House and the Capitol Building.

The Flag Still StandsAs Washington, D.C., lay in ashes, the British attempted to capture Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, Maryland.

After this attack, Francis Scott Key saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry.

While imprisoned on a British ship, he wrote the poem “The Star Spangled Banner.”

This later became our national anthem.

Francis Scott Key

The War Ends● The Treaty of Ghent ended the

war in 1814.

● Neither side won but both agreed to end the war.

● Since news traveled very slowly, both sides continued to fight until January of 1815. (Andrew Jackson, American, became a national hero during the Battle of New Orleans where he and his men crushed the British.)

Andrew Jackson- Battle of New Orleans

The War Ends

Under the Treaty of Ghent, no borders were changed. The U.S. maintained control of the Northwest and Louisiana territories, as well as the Mississippi River.

Native American groups that lived in the U.S. territories were forced to sign away more of their lands if they fought with the British during the War of 1812.

This allowed for more settlers to move into these territories.

National Pride➔ The War of 1812 showed the

rest the world that the United States was a strong country that was able to defend itself.

➔ For the first time since the Revolutionary War, Americans felt a strong sense of national pride.

➔ This period became known as the “Era of Good Feelings.”

The Adams-Onis Treaty

● Americans also wanted to expand the countries borders even further.● In 1818, Andrew Jackson invaded Florida (owned by Spain at this time).● Jackson took over Spanish settlements and removed the Spanish

government from power.● Spain did not want to start a war with the U.S. so the two countries signed the

Adams-Onis Treaty.

The Adams-Onis Treaty

★ Under this treaty, Spain sold Florida to the United States.

★ In return, the United States gave up its Texas territory west of the Sabine River.

Sabine River

Cause and Effect Use the Cause and Effect graphic organizer on the board to identify causes and effects related to the War of 1812. Begin by filling in two causes of the war. Then fill its effects.

You will have to recreate the organizer by drawing it on your desk with a whiteboard marker. :)

Dealing with Foreign Countries

❏ The War of 1812 made Americans feel like they were just as powerful as Great Britain, Spain, and France.

❏ President James Monroe (note the new president!) did not want European powers so close the U.S.

❏ He issued the Monroe Doctrine in 1823.

❏ The Monroe Doctrine stated that the U.S. would not allow European powers to start new colonies in the Americas.

❏ Also, the United States would not get involved in existing European colonies or issues in Europe.

How did the War of 1812 change the way the United States dealt with foreign countries?

Let’s complete the self check quiz in connected!