War Of 1812

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War of 1812

The War of 1812 is one of the forgotten wars of the United States. The war lasted for over two years, and while it ended much like it started: in a stalemate. The invasive actions of the United States failed in almost every attempt to capture Canada. On the other hand, the British army was successfully stopped when it attempted to capture Baltimore and New Orleans. The primary causes of the war were England’s refusal to restrict trading with America, conflict with the Indians, and America’s ambition to expand. The results, however, did not reflect the desired outcome of the Indians, British, nor the Americans.

In an effort to prevent any incidents that might cause America to go to war, Jefferson passed the Embargo in 1807, which created a "serious depression throughout most of the nation" (Brinkley 189). Congress then passed the Non-Intercourse Act in 1809, opening trade all countries but England and France. A year later the Non-Intercourse expired, and Macon’s Bill 2 was put into effect. Macon’s Bill 2 allowed free commercial trade with the British and the French, but authorized President Madison to prohibit trade if either of the two nations violated neutral shipping. Napoleon agreed to the terms in an effort to persuade America to reestablish the Embargo against England. His efforts succeeded when the British failed to repeal a blockade on Europe on schedule. Tensions between Great Britain and America then grew beyond peace.

After the revolution and the Louisiana Purchase, the settlers began pushing Indians out of their territory at a very rapid rate. Jefferson gave the Indians a choice: they could either become settled members of the white society or they could migrate their tribes west of the Mississippi River...

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...ry because the United States and the English as signed a peace treaty weeks before the battle was fought. On Christmas Eve of 1814 the fighting ended. “The Americans gave up their demand for a British renunciation of impressments and for the cession of Canada to the United States” (Brinkley 197). For the Indians, the war also proved to be disastrous for their capacity to resist against white expansion and settlement.

The War of 1812, which finally ended in 1814 least mildly favored the United States. The British no longer had any reason to interfere with American trade because of their defeat against the French Empire. The Indians in the way of expansion were not an issue anymore; because they were no longer able defend their lands; Americans now felt safer settling in the west.

Works Cited

Brinkley, Alan. The Unfinished Nation. 4th ed. New York: Lyn Uhl, 2004.

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