The second war of independence - exam 3

Midterm Grades Discussion

  • Midterm grades were submitted earlier this morning.

    • Encouragement to view them as somewhat insignificant.

    • Grades include:

    • 10% from the Benjamin Franklin essay.

    • 15% from the first exam.

  • If students are dissatisfied with their midterm grades:

    • They have already influenced it through performance on the second exam.

    • Remaining opportunities include two more essays and additional inquisitives.

    • Inquisitive deadline extended to the end of the week.

  • Clarification on the influence of upcoming assignments on overall grade.

Grades and Performance Management

  • Midterm grades are temporary; students should not slack off due to favorable grades.

  • Grades are not permanent and are part of an evolving assessment process influenced by learning management systems (LMS).

Exam Structure and Timeline

  • The final exam consists of:

    • Three parts: multiple choice, two essays.

    • No content from before today will be included in multiple choice sections.

  • The essay components include:

    • One comprehensive essay on the arc of the semester.

    • One non-comprehensive essay.

    • Students will select one topic from two pre-selected groups provided in a study sheet.

  • The final exam duration is two hours, where students write two essays.

Historical Context and Content Overview

Historical Context and Content Overview
The War of 1812

  • The War of 1812 is referred to as:

    • The Forgotten War

    • The second war for independence.

Context of the War

  • Resuming of French Revolutionary wars in 1804, with Napoleon starting a war with the rest of Europe and winning.

  • Significant military context:

    • By 1815, much of Europe was under French rule or allied with France.

    • Britain blockaded French ports to stifle trade.

  • American Perspective:

    • Thomas Jefferson’s ambitions for a nation of independent landowners believed to underline autonomy and self-sufficiency.

    • In 1807, implemention of the Embargo Act aimed to exert pressure on Britain and France, but faced opposition, particularly from New England.

  • Congressional vote to go to war was one of the closest ever, with the emerging South-East favoring war as they saw it as an opportunity to clear British forces from their frontier.

  • The Federalist Party became opposed to the war, highlighted by the Hartford Convention discussions about reworking the Constitution and ending the ⅗ compromise.

American-British Tensions

Factors Leading to War

  • British interference in American trading rights, including the Royal Navy capturing American sailors.

  • Encroachment on indigenous territories heightened by American expansion efforts and conflicts influenced by European powers.

Congressional Vote and War Outcome

  • The vote for war highlighted regional divisions:

    • Eastern states, affected by trade tensions, opposed the war, while Southern and Western states sought territorial expansion.

  • Underestimation of British military strength:

    • US forces were significantly smaller than British forces (7,000 vs. 250,000).

  • Praised efforts of President Madison for advocating centralized power.

  • Significant native uprisings:

    • Tenskatawa, Tecumseh's brother, had visions and built Prophetstown, promoting a general confederation among indigenous peoples.

    • After the Battle of Tippecanoe, Harrison's forces attacked Prophetstown, claiming victory despite heavy losses.

    • Tecumseh emerged as a major enemy of the Americans, eventually linking with the British.

Major Events and Aftermath of the War

Indigenous Relations During the War

  • The Creek Nation engaged in conflict with the US, leading to the massacre at Fort Mims.

    • Tennessee's militia, led by Andrew Jackson, engaged the Creek at Horseshoe Bend, defeating their forces.

  • The War of 1812 effectively fragmented indigenous groups around the Mississippi River, clearing the way for American settlement.

Naval Engagements and Privateer Actions

  • The USS Constitution symbolized the growing strength of the US Navy by defeating British ships.

  • Privateers inflicted significant economic damage on Britain, creating insurance strains and escalating war costs for Britain.

Treaty of Ghent and the End of War

  • British launched a two-pronged assault on Washington DC and Baltimore; the attack on Washington DC succeeded, while Fort McHenry withstood the siege.

    • The war in Europe ended in 1814, leading to treaty negotiations.

  • While the Treaty of Ghent was being negotiated, Federalists called for the Hartford Convention and proposed various changes including limiting the President to one term.

  • Although an initial assault on New Orleans was unsuccessful, Andrew Jackson's defenders ultimately secured the city with by thwarting Pakenham's advances.

  • The War of 1812 led to the destruction of the Federalist Party in America, shifting the political landscape significantly.

Conclusion

  • Reflection on the War of 1812’s impact on American national identity and politics.