The Forgotten War

By Nisie

October 14, 2016

Throughout time, the reasoning behind the declaration of the War of 1812 has been debated. However, it is no question the constant interruption of American trade caused the talk of war from the beginning. In addition, Americans believed that numerous attacks from the Natives were orchestrated and funded by Britain. The timing of the declaration of war seemed to be off as Britain had already agreed to no longer invade American trade ships but southerners like Andrew Jackson believed it was crucial “for the re-establishment of our national character”. Others didn’t trust Britain and felt as if it was another fight for independence.

When Napoleon of France declares war on Britain, the United States attempts to remain neutrale but constant harassment from the British Navy invading US trade ships in search of deserters of the crown to use for the Royal Navy and even impressed American sailors, forcing them into the Royal Navy.  The idea of staying partial to the war between France and Britain becomes diminished when in 1807 the British warship HMS leopeard obstructed the US ship the Chesapeake and demanded they let aboard the ship to search for deserters to join the Royal Navy. Captain Barron of the Chesapeake ship exclaimed that “I am also instructed never to permit the crew of any ship that I command be mustered by any other but her own officers”. As the ship’s crew scrambles for weapons to defend against the Britain ship, they are bombarded with arsenal. Three sailors were killed while others were left wounded. Although war against Britain was not declared until 1812, this was one of the beginning factors that led to a cry for war.

            In response to this attack, President Jefferson enlisted congress to impose the Embargo Act of 1807. This meant that the United States would discontinue any foreign trade. Jefferson claimed it was “war, embargo, or nothing. In his attempt to keep sailors and cargo ships out of harm’s way, the realization came quickly that they were not getting the response they hoped by Britain. The loss of income from the exportation of wheat, flour, pork and other goods left the economy to suffer. Although there was no way to fund a war, the United States was looking for options.

            Finally, in 1812, the united states wages war on Europe. Adversely, this was not a “normal” war, it was fighting three different conflicts. One was, the Chesapeake Bay along the coast of Maryland and Virginia, as well as Washington D.C. Another conflict was where Andrew Jackson led an army to invade lands owned by the Creeks and the Spanish. The third issue, what is also referred to as the “Canadian- American War” was concerning land ownership disputes around the Great Lakes.

            After losing the first few battles, one in which Washington DC is actually set on fire, including the White house where the Dolly, the First wife famously saved a picture of George Washington and the declaration of independence, the United States finally became victorious against Europe.

            The Treaty of Ghent in 1814, gave the release of all British forces to previous boundaries as they were at the time in control of eastern Maine, northern Michigan, some of New York, as well as islands off the cost of Georgia. In addition, Britain agreed to stop supporting all attacks by the Indians along the Great lakes. In relief of the new treaty agreements Quincy Adams divulged to his wife how he had the honor of “redeeming our nation.”

            Although sometimes the War of 1812 is remembered as “The Forgotten War”, it had a major impact on the nations attitude towards patriotism and even gave knew light to the importance of federal government to politicians who cared deeply for States rights. In fact, both the Federalist and the Republicans reversed their attitudes. As Republicans became more open-minded about the constitution, the Federalist returned to the same emphasis Jefferson and Madison had on the importance of States Rights. As the reversal of partisan political roles took hold, a new manufacturing industry was beginning to blossom with over 100 cotton mills in New England alone. But one of the biggest changes were to come, as Andrew Jackson became even more hardened during the War of 1812, he began to crave the power and respect he felt deserved. He soaked in the spotlight of his widely talked about heroism during the last battle the Battle of New Orleans where he defeated the Natives not knowing of the Treaty of Ghena being signed. Andrew Jackson, also Nicknamed “Old Hickory” due to his cold, brute force would go on to conquering the great frontier, somehow foreseeing his success as president, wrote to a southerner “is everywhere held as the savior of the country… he has been feasted, caressed and I may be idolized.   

References

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Hickey, Donald R. "1812: Remembering A Forgotten War." Journal Of Military History 76.4 (2012): 969-972. Academic Search Complete. Web. 16 Oct. 2016.

Winkler, David F. "'Chesapeake-Leopard Affair' Tested Already Tense U.S.-British Relations." Sea Power 50.6 (2007): 71. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 16 Oct. 2016.

Trautsch, Jasper M. "The Causes Of The War Of 1812: 200 Years Of Debate." Journal Of Military History 77.1 (2013): 273-293. Academic Search Complete. Web. 16 Oct. 2016.

David Emory Shi, George Brown Tindall “ America: A Narrative History”

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