8.5.1

Understand the political and economic causes and consequences of the War of 1812 and know the major battles, leaders, and events that led to a final peace.
             July 1812, began of the War of 1812, or known as the "forgotten war" till the spring of 1815. The War of 1812 was named the "forgotten war" because after the two year war, everything was still the same just as if nothing ever started, except for the wounded and dead. Natural rights, economics, and politics played a role as fighting causes. Many of the Europeans expected the US to fail since it was America's second war for independence. The poor organization and the unwillingness of the militia to cross the state borders was a troubling economic cause. A tendency to expect the best possible outcome, the war started off with poor management, control, and strategy, as the Americans expected victory. Political causes of the War of 1812 started when the Vote for the war in the House was 79-49, where all Northeastern states opposed for "Mr. Madison's war". These that opposing the war were Federalists, while Republicans supported it. Congress refused to raise taxes during this era, afraid the Republicans wouldn't undo their financial reforms.
             At the very beginning of the War of 1812, leading the American army from Detroit to Canada was General William Hull. Hull retreated and surrendered, fearing a massacre by the Tecumseh's warriors would happen, and Detroit was under a small British' force. Three attempts from the American army to cross the Canadian border were tried, where the third attempt, led by General William Henry Harrison had no effect as long Lake Erie was under the British's control. To solve this inconvenience, Oliver Hazard Perry and his Lake Erie naval forces planned to seize the lake from the British. It was an American success against the British naval force on September 10, 1813. The British and Native allies pulled back from Detroit when the American had their control over Lake Erie, though Harrison stopped them before it was done, the Battle of the Thames in October 5 had killed Tecumseh. After the death of Tecumseh, it was difficult for the Native American allies to the British. In the Battle of Horsehoe Bend, Andrew Jackson, a Tennessee planter, attacked the Creeks and forced them to give up most of the lands to US. The British had suffered a humiliating defeat in the Battle of Plattsburgh in September 1814, where General Sir George Prevost from the north, led his trained and professional British leaders. This unexpected loss by Prevost gave the American the northern border of the United States and their victory was claimed. Ending the war with a final peace, the American and British signed a peace agreement in Ghent, Belgium in December 24, 1814. Not changing any borders, the Treaty of Ghent made this war useless, it kept everything the same since the very beginning. The final battle, right before the treaty had reached news over the nation, General Sir Edward Pakenham, from the British side, moved toward New Orleans. On the opposing team, the American army led by Andrew Jackson, was waiting behind the fortifications. Pakenham's troops had advanced on January 8, 1815, as Jackson swept the British and killed Pakenham. This Battle of New Orleans made the final victory for the Americans in Battle of New Orleans. Andrew Jackson, the hero of this war made him famous, which led to his presidency. The New England Federalists had lost their face, but to keep their interest going, they proposed a list of amendments to the Constitution.
             The War of 1812 had brought the spirit of nationalism throughout America and New England and the equality of the people's relationship had grown.


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