Era of Mixed Feelings - The War of 1812

•Why Did America Go to War Again? (Causes)
Only 30 years after the Revolutionary War, the United States went to war with Britain again. Here’s why:
-Impressment – The British Navy captured American sailors and forced them to serve on British ships.
-Trade Restrictions – Britain stopped U.S. trade with France while fighting Napoleon.
-Native American Conflicts – Britain armed Native tribes to resist U.S. expansion in the Northwest.
-War Hawks – Young leaders like Henry Clay wanted to defend national honor and maybe conquer Canada.
-Think: Why would Americans see this as a threat to their independence?

•Who Had the Advantage?
Side Strengths Weaknesses
Britain: Strong navy, well-trained soldiers | Busy fighting Napoleon in Europe, long supply lines.
United States: Home advantage, strong patriotism | Small navy, weak army, divided public support

•Key Battles & Events
-Invasion of Canada (1812–13): U.S. attempts failed.
-Battle of Lake Erie (1813): Naval victory under Oliver Hazard Perry.
-Washington D.C. Burned (1814): British forces burned the White House.
-Battle of New Orleans (1815): Andrew Jackson’s big victory—fought after the peace treaty was signed!
-Fort McHenry: Inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Remember: Communication was slow—news of peace hadn’t yet reached New Orleans.

•What Happened After the War? (Results)
-Treaty of Ghent (1814): Peace restored, no land changed hands.
-National Pride: Americans felt they had defended their independence again.
-Native Resistance Weakened: U.S. expanded westward.
-Federalist Party Declined: Seen as unpatriotic for opposing the war.
-Economy Grew: Blockades pushed America to build its own industries.
-New Heroes: Andrew Jackson and William Henry Harrison became national figures.
Big Idea: Even without gaining land, the U.S. gained confidence, unity, and a new identity.

•Reflection & Discussion
Answer these in your notebook:
-Why is the War of 1812 called “The Second War for Independence”?
-What was the most important result of the war—and why?
-How did this war help the U.S. grow stronger as a nation?

Optional Mini-Activity
Write a 2–3 sentence “speech” as if you were a War Hawk in 1812.
Start like this:
“My fellow Americans, we must go to war because…”

Key Takeaway:
The War of 1812 didn’t make America bigger—but it made America stronger.
It proved the young nation could defend itself, stand united, and take its place on the world stage.