War of 1812 - Escalating Tensions

1812 – 1815 Tension between Britain and the United States was escalating. By 1812, war broke out once again in British North America. There were many reasons for hostility between these two nations. vs. Hostility Prior to the War of 1812 Trade ● Britain was at war with France (Napoleonic Wars, 1799 – 1815). Britain intentionally blocked the United States from trading with France to cut off the flow of supplies to France. This trade restriction hurt the American economy more than in Britain or France. ● The British continued to trade with Indigenous groups in the areas around the Great Lakes. The British were often seen as supporters of Indigenous resistance to American expansion. ● The British Royal Navy often stopped American ships and kidnapped American seamen and merchants to force them to serve on behalf of the British. Acquiring land in Indigenous territory ● American expansion into Indigenous lands was a significant source of hostility. Settlers and land speculators were moving westward, without regard for established treaties or Indigenous land rights. ● Indigenous communities formed alliances with the British against the United States. The British provided material support and coordination for these Indigenous forces. Can hostilities from hundreds of years ago influence the relationship between nations today? Why or why not? 1812 – 1815 1. The War of 1812 was between which two countries? 2. Summarize some of the reasons for the War of 1812. What country was primarily responsible for each reason leading to war? Reasons for the War of 1812 Reason Explanation Country Responsible 1812 – 1815 The United States declared war on Britain on June 1812. The U.S. had a large army. The British were anxious about loyalty, with many American settlers having only been motivated to move to British North America for free land. The British also worried as most of their military was overseas. vs. Brock & Tecumseh The British needed the assistance of the First Nations peoples if they wanted to fight and win the war. The British allied with Indigenous Shawnee leader Tecumseh. This was the beginning of a strong alliance with the British General Sir Isaac Brock. Tecumseh Brock Tecumseh had previously allied with other First Nations groups to defend Indigenous land from Americans. Tecumseh led the largest First Nations army near the Great Lakes, consisting of 2000–3000 soldiers. Tecumseh worked with General Brock to win the Battle of Detroit. They chased the Americans across the Canadian border, causing the Americans to surrender without any shots being fired. In a later battle, Tecumseh fought with 500 other First Nations soldiers. However, they were outnumbered and Tecumseh died during battle. The incredible contributions of Tecumseh and the Indigenous peoples did not go unrecognized. In the Battle of Queenston Heights, the Americans were trying to establish a foothold on the Canadian side of the Niagara River. The British forces defended the territory using artillery (heavy weapons like cannons). Brock led the fight against the Americans but was shot and killed during battle. The battle ended when the US forces were pushed back into the woods. 1812 – 1815 1. Who initiated the War of 1812? What were some of the main causes of war? 2. Who was Tecumseh? Tecumseh 3. What military contributions did Tecumseh make to the British army? 4. Who was Sir Isaac Brock? Brock