YR - War of 1812 Lesson

War of 1812

War of 1812: Causes

In 1812, America declared war on Great Britain, which was already at war with France. Among the causes of this war, four stand out. First, Americans objected to restrictions Britain was enforcing to prevent neutral American merchants from trading with the French. Second, Americans were outraged by the British policy of impressment. Under this policy, thousands of American sailors were forced against their will to serve in the British navy after their merchant ships were captured at sea. Third, Americans suspected the British were giving military support to Native Americans so they would fight to keep Americans from settling lands west of the Appalachian Mountains. Fourth, Americans wished to drive the British out of North America altogether by conquering Canada while the British army was fighting the French in Europe.

War of 1812: Results

Militarily the war was a draw, but there were several benefits for the United States. A major result of the War of 1812 was the end of all U.S. military hostility with Great Britain. Never again would Britain and the United States wage war over diplomacy, trade, territory, or any other kind of dispute. America's army and navy were firmly established as worthy opponents of any European military force. The U.S. military achievements in the War of 1812 also served to heighten nationalist sentiments. The Federalist Party died out as it had opposed the War of 1812. For a time, there was only one major political party in the U.S., the Democratic-Republicans. This time of one party domination and nationalism is sometimes called the "Era of Good Feelings." View the presentation on the Era of Good Feelings.

 

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