War Of 1812 Analysis

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During 1812, Great Britain and France participated in a war that directly affected American markets that depended heavily on foreign trade. As a result of the need, U.S. sailing ships continued trade with European powers; however, Great Britain needed soldiers for war and “seized over 6,000 American sailors under the guise that they were British citizens and deserters” (Lecture, 7). Consequently, the loss of American sailors and ships lead to an embargo on all foreign ports that ultimately devastated the United State’s economy, and Madison was eventually forced to act. From the President’s actions, the United States eventually traded with France while cutting off trade with Great Britain. “But the British continued to attack American …show more content…

down the road to war" (Lecture, 9). It started when two Shansee brothers, Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa, encouraged Natives to pursue a pan-Indian alliance to rid themselves of "the avarice [greed] and oppression of the white man..." by attacking American frontier settlements (GML 311). During this time, in the eyes of the Americans, the British were believed to have "intrigued with them [Natives], and turned their peaceful disposition... into hostilities" (VOF 161). In other words, the British persuaded the Indians to turn against the Americans; this was supported when "British guns were found on the battlefield" of Indian uprisings (Lecture, 9). The idea that Great Britain would arm people (that were usually considered inferior) against the United States decreased any positive relations between the two …show more content…

"Many westerners and southerners had their eye on expansion, viewing war as an opportunity to add Canada and Spanish-held Florida to the United States (Lecture 9). By declaring war on Great Britain and clearing British influence on the Natives, the United States would experience less resistance when expanding into other territories. If the U.S. gained these lands, then Americans would gain many benefits: limited Native retaliations, freedom from European infringements on independence, unimpeded access to oversee markets, a balance of power between the North and the South, and an overall accumulation of wealth. Through the numerous benefits and support, the desire for expansion was one of the main motives for engaging in a war with Great

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