The War of 1812

Causes of the War of 1812

During Thomas Jefferson’s time as president, conflict between England and France continued. Both England and France tried to gain an advantage over their enemy by disrupting trade and peaceful relations with the United States. The United States struggled to remain neutral, and at various times offered support to both the British and the French. In the midst of this European conflict, James Madison, a Democratic-Republican, became the fourth president of the United States in 1809. During Madison’s presidency, the War of 1812 took place. In this interactivity, learn about the causes of the War of 1812.

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The War of 1812

The War of 1812 took place between Great Britain and the United States. While both sides experienced wins and losses, the war was viewed as a victory by the Americans. The War of 1812 marks the second time that the Americans defeated the more experienced and powerful British. In this interactivity, learn about the War of 1812. Click the player button to begin.

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The Monroe Doctrine

President James Monroe capitalized on the success and continued expansion of the country. Two different agreements were made with England. One established the boundary between English controlled Canada and the Louisiana Purchase at the 49th parallel.  A second agreement extended that boundary to the Pacific Ocean when the United States acquired the Oregon Territory from Britain in 1846. After the War of 1812, American settlers increased their migration into Florida, and Florida was later acquired from Spain by treaty in 1819. Monroe’s most famous expansion was one of national interest and identity. Monroe wanted to protect America’s interest in the Western Hemisphere.  In this interactivity, explore how he did that with the Monroe Doctrine. Click the player button to begin.

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Outcomes of the War of 1812

Aerial view of Fort Monroe taken in 2004

Following the War of 1812, political and economic changes occurred in the United States. For example, in politics, the Federalist Party was in decline, and would eventually cease to exist. Many people viewed the Federalist Party as unpatriotic, even treasonous, because they had discussed secession during the Hartford Convention and failed to support the war effort.

In addition, thousands of enslaved African Americans left with the British forces at the end of the war. This hurt southern slave holders, so they advocated for improved American government efforts to prevent future foreign invasions. The federal government constructed various military defenses, including Fort Monroe at the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Economics improved in the United States after the War of 1812, and helped Americans prosper. The economy was transformed through a revolution in many different markets. Transportation improvements like canals and railroads helped move people and products from the Eastern states and western territories. In addition to the cotton gin, which made it easier to grow cotton, the mechanical reaper was introduced to gather crops and harvest more effectively and with less cost than by hand. There was also growth in the textile industry as people used innovations like steam engines to increase production in textile mills.

While the idea of using electricity to transmit information had been tried by a number of different people prior to 1837, Samuel Morse patented the idea in the United States at that time. Instead of having messages and information moved on the railroad or via messengers, this allowed information to be quickly sent through telegraph. It helped connect people to important information, and make it easier for those in the west to sell and buy products with people on the East coast.

Take a moment to hover your cursor over the below images and learn how three actions taken by the American government contributed to and were supported by the American System.

 

 

 

The War of 1812 Review

Now that you have investigated the Monroe Doctrine and the War of 1812, you have seen how the United States was created through international diplomacy and warfare. Review your knowledge in this non-graded interactivity. Click the player button to get started.