hist oct 20

Overview of the War of 1812 Coverage

  • Continuation of Discussion: This is part two of two discussing the War of 1812.

    • Focus on American victories, particularly in the frontier regions: Old Northwest and Old Southwest.

Analogy of the War of 1812

  • Football Analogy: The war can be likened to a team having a six-and-six season in football.

    • Not a season to brag about, yet can end on a high note (e.g., winning a major bowl game).

Contextual shift in 1814

  • Napoleon's Abdication: After years of conflict in Europe, Napoleon was finally defeated and abdicated his throne in 1814.

    • Exiled to an island in the Mediterranean but later returned to reclaim power, leading to his final campaign at Waterloo.

    • With Napoleon's defeat, Britain redirected ships and troops available for the conflict in America.

British Attacks on Washington D.C.

  • Chesapeake Bay Assault: British troops, disembarking from the Chesapeake Bay, managed to defeat American forces at Williamsburg.

  • Capture and Burning of Washington D.C.:

    • American forces abandoned the capital under British attack.

    • British troops marched into Washington D.C., torching significant government buildings in retaliation for the American burnings in Canada.

    • Notable buildings burned included:

    • White House

    • Capitol

    • Treasury

    • Most civilian structures were spared except for the Patent Office, which was saved by convincing British leaders that destroying it would harm human progress.

    • The firestorm from the burning was quelled only through the aftermath of a severe storm that caused a tornado.

  • Impact on American Morale:

    • The burning of Washington was seen as a national embarrassment, leading to the resignation of the Secretary of War.

    • Despite the initial shock, British forces did not occupy the city long-term and were delayed in advancing toward Baltimore.

Defense of Baltimore

  • Fort McHenry: The defense of Baltimore hinged on Fort McHenry, the key fort protecting the harbor.

    • The fort was built in a modern design known as a star fort, preventing attacks from all directions.

  • Francis Scott Key's Experience:

    • Key was aboard a British ship seeking the release of a friend but ended up witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry.

    • The British fleet aimed to destroy the fort with artillery and bombs, including the infamous Congreve rocket.

  • The Bombardment:

    • The fort’s defenders sustained their fire, and Key anxiously awaited the dawn to see if the flag still flew.

    • The ultimate sight of the large flag at daybreak inspired Key to write the poem that would become the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

  • Symbolic Importance:

    • The successful defense of Fort McHenry marked a significant American victory and rallied national pride and morale.

    • The American military presence was solidified; the fort remained intact against British forces.

    • Congress reconvened in the Patent Office post-burning, and rebuilding efforts began, including the restoration of the Library of Congress.

The Hartford Convention

  • New England's Reaction: As the war progressed, regions like New England expressed dissatisfaction with President Madison's government and suggested secession.

    • Delegates met at the Hartford Convention to propose amendments aimed at addressing grievances, which diluted their political credibility.

    • Proposed amendments included:

    • Restrictions on national embargoes.

    • Limiting declarations of war.

    • Limits on presidential terms from a single state.

  • Timing of the Treaty: The Convention’s discussions coincided with the end of the war and the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, painting New England proposals in a negative light as disloyal or defeatist.

Treaty of Ghent

  • Treaty Overview: Signed on Christmas Eve, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent marked an end to the War of 1812.

    • Terms summarized as status quo antebellum: no territorial changes, simply reverting relations to pre-war agreements.

    • With Napoleon's defeat, the main reasons for conflict between Britain and the United States were eliminated.

  • Military Successes: The U.S. military, despite losses, had secured critical victories on the frontier that bolstered American national confidence.

Battle of New Orleans

  • Significance of New Orleans: Controlled the Mississippi River's trade, making it crucial for the United States, especially after acquisition through the Louisiana Purchase.

  • General Andrew Jackson's Defense:

    • Assembled a diverse army, including:

    • U.S. regulars.

    • Militia from Kentucky, Tennessee, and local free blacks.

    • Native American allies (Choctaw) and local pirates under Jean Lafitte.

    • Jackson fortified a defensive line using cotton bales and established strong positioning against British advances.

  • British Assault: The British, underestimating American defenses, launched a frontal attack on January 8, 1815, resulting in devastating casualties for the British while Americans faced minimal losses.

  • American Victory: This battle was an unexpected blowout victory that significantly boosted American morale.

Conclusion

  • Impact of the Victory: The Battle of New Orleans revitalized American patriotism and shifted the historical narrative about the war's progress, even though fought after the treaty.

  • Historical Legacy: The conflict led to the decline of the Federalist Party, and the ensuing years were characterized as the "Era of Good Feelings" due to the lack of political opposition and unity under the Republican Party.