Louisiana Purchase and the War of 1812

What river and port did the US seek access to and why?

The US sought access to the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans because it gave them control over trade with the French and Native Americans as well as anyone else trading using that river.

Who controlled the Louisiana territory?

Napoleon Bonaparte

Who could the US potentially fall into conflict with when purchasing this territory?

The British who still lived there. They tried to provoke Native Americans to fight against the purchase.

Who did Jefferson send to negotiate with France? What were they like?

Robert Livingston, who was hard of hearing and didn’t speak French, and James Monroe, who was a translator who didn’t come until later. Monroe used this to boost himself to becoming president later.

When was the Louisiana purchase done, how much did it cost, and what was Jefferson afraid of?

It was done in 1803 for $15 million. Jefferson didn’t know if this was Constitutional and thought he might be seen as larger than the government, but it was ultimately approved as a treaty.

What were the effects of the Louisiana purchase?

It doubled the size of the US and it gave the US control of the Mississippi River (which others would have to pay to use), expanded US territory westward, set the stage for westward expansion and Manifest Destiny, increased agricultural land and economic potential, and added many Native American nations and cultures into US controlled land

Who did Jefferson hire to explore the new territory and find a route to the Pacific?

Louis and Clark

Who aided Louis and Clark?

Sacagawea, who helped guide and translate and provided valuable maps.

What people did Lous and Clark encounter?

Native American tribes and French people. The French people knew the languages of the people they lived with due to the intermingling of cultures, so they helped translate because Louis and Clark knew French.

What was impressment and why did it happen?

Naval kidnapping. It happened because the British navy was strong while the US navy was essentially nonexistent. The British navy took over US merchant ships and forced the people on it to either work for the British or die.

Who did impressment affect and what did they do about it? What was the War of 1812 called at the time?

It affected wealthy business owners since they owned the merchant ships so their stuff was getting stolen. They eventually tell Madison that he must declare war. Because of this it was called Mr. Madison’s War.

What were War Hawks and who were two important ones?

War Hawks were the business owners who wanted Madison to declare war. One was John C. Calhoun, whose bottom line was impacted. He cared only about his business interest and not the lives of those fighting. Another was Henry Clay, “The Great Compromiser.” He also had business interest, but he talked Calhoun down and was okay with a compromise.

Who was the first lady and what did she do in the war?

Dolly Madison, she saved priceless artifacts, including a portrait of George Washington, from the burning White House.

Which British general met with which Native American to instigate fighting?

General Brock with Tecumseh

Who was General William Henry Harrison?

The governor of the Indiana Territory, who became president for a very short time before getting sick and dying

What happened at the Battle of Tippecanoe?

Tecumseh and his brother fought against Harrison. Harrison pushed the British and Native American soldiers up north until they crossed into Canada before defeating them. This technically started a war with Canada, but it ended quickly.

Who put together the National anthem and where?

Francis Scott Key in Baltimore

What treaty ended the war and where was it signed? What was the problem with this?

The Treaty of Ghent in Belgium. This meant others did not know that the war had ended, leading to the Battle of New Orleans.

How many casualties were there on each side of the Battle of New Orleans? What caused the US to win this battle?

2,000 British casualties and 70 American casualties. Andrew Jackson won the war by freeing prisoners and giving them the choice to either fight or die. He also contracted pirates to be the navy. This led to him later becoming president.