Causes of the war of 1812

Impressment: The Royal Navy began to impress American sailors to help the cause of the Napoleonic Wars. This is the practice of forcing merchant seamen to become Navy men for British warships. As many of these kidnapped sailors died impressment caused public and economic contempt for Britain. Non-Intercourse Act 1809: The Non-Intercourse Act of 1809 was passed to stop the embargo of ships that were not going to trade with Britain or France. This stopped the complete US embargo on foreign trade. The Embargo Act much less affected merchants now. Macons Bill no. 2: Macons Bill no.2 made a statement that says if either France or England lifted its embargo on the other European power then the United States would trade with it. Orders in Council: The Orders in Council was a declaration saying that merchant ships cannot go the France directly unless it first harbored in a British port. This was an aggressive direct restriction against France. The United States however fought to stay neutral by embargoing all foreign trade. War Hawks: The War Hawks were those who wanted to declare war or participate in a war thinking that the United States could stand its own against France or England. Both these European countries were bullying the US. Many of the War Hawks exclaimed To Canada! Tecumseh & The Prophet: These were the two Indian chiefs who were trying to gather an Indian confederation. They became hostile to the United States, which often made unfair land treaties and bought Indian territory. After losing the Battle of Tippecanoe, Tecumseh sided with the British for support. William Henry Harrison: Governor of the Indiana territory who led an army to Tippecanoe to defeat Tecumseh in his headquarters. Raised true hostilities against the Indians who finally aligned itself with Britain. Republicanism: The United States was a large republic, a novel idea in the early 19th century. If the United States didnt enforce its power it would be looked down upon as a failure in an experiment in Republicanism. Later, Congress would declare war with a majority vote. Federalists in New England: Federalists were against war against Britain. They would be fighting their most profitable trade partner. However the Federalists didnt have a say, they were a minority in Congress and held very little political power.

War Of 1812