war of 1812

Attendance Roll Call

  • Joyceann Aziles
  • Sedana, Deborah
  • Ella, Ian
  • Brianna, Maria
  • Brandon, Mella
  • Merritt, Carlo
  • Liam, Annalyn
  • Amy, Elizabeth
  • Isabella, Tristan Ramirez
  • Lily, Priscilla
  • Harrison, Jamila
  • Jasmine, Maliha
  • Alex, Zaya
  • Allison, Jeremiah
  • Shalissa

Exam Schedule Decisions

  • Instructor asked students to choose between taking a practice test on Wednesday or a slower-paced test on Friday.
  • The decision made:
    • Practice test on Wednesday to gauge student understanding.
    • Finish material by Wednesday, with the major exam on Friday.

Class Opening

  • Short video presentation kick-off to the class.
  • Discussion on the underlying causes of conflicts, specifically mentioning honor as a motivator for fighting.

Discussion on the War of 1812

General Confusion Regarding War Taxation and Historical Context

  • Confusion about who men fought against; various side conflicts mentioned including the British, Indians, and French.
  • Acknowledged a gap in film representation of the War of 1812 compared to the American Revolution and Civil War.

Election of 1800

  • Key figures: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
  • Influence of Federalist control in coastal areas vs. Jefferson's appeal in the West and South.
  • Outcome: Jefferson won against Adams, signaling an effective democratic process as Adams accepted defeat.

John Marshall and Judicial Review

  • Marshall's role: Federalist who became Chief Justice.
  • Importance of the Supreme Court's ability to declare laws unconstitutional.
  • Set the framework for checks and balances against Jeffersonian power.
    • Introduced the concept of judicial review: Supreme Court's authority to review and reject presidential and congressional actions if deemed unconstitutional.

Jefferson vs. Burr Conflict

Background Information
  • Election tie with Jefferson and Burr each receiving 73 votes, resulting in House decision leading to Jefferson's presidency and Burr's vice-presidency.
  • After a political dispute, Burr kills Hamilton in a duel over personal animosities leading to Burr's treasonous behavior.
Burr's Actions
  • Burr's plan for a potential uprising leading to an independent territory.
  • General Wilkinson, hesitant about Burr's actions, exposes him to Jefferson, leading to a treason charge.
The Trial and Outcome
  • Witness requirements for Burr's conviction highlighted by Marshall.
  • John Wilkinson emerged as the sole eyewitness, but Burr invoked the Fifth Amendment, resulting in lack of evidence.
  • Burr acquitted due to insufficient evidence and later fled to Europe.

Domestic Reforms Under Jefferson

  • Reduced military spending, arguing that armies oppress liberties.
  • Repealed the Whiskey Tax due to public dissatisfaction.
  • Declined to fire Federalist officeholders, believing competency should be the criteria for job security.

The Louisiana Purchase

  • Territory significance and the need for exploration initiated by the failed French settlement efforts in Haiti and the necessity for funds due to war.
  • Acquired land for $15,000,000, but the net cost was lower due to French debts owed to Americans.
Exploration by Lewis and Clark
  • Commissioned to explore the new territory from St. Louis to the Pacific Coast.
  • First comprehensive documentation of the Northwest's geography, wildlife, and native tribes.

Impressment and the Embargo Act

  • Definition: Impressment refers to the British forcing American sailors to serve in the British Navy.
  • Failure of the Embargo Act meant to protect American sailors through trade restrictions led to severe economic repercussions, particularly in the northern states reliant on trade.
  • Opposition arose from Federalists, leading to their decline post-war.

War of 1812 Overview

  • Key triggers: shipping concerns, Native American relations, and expansionist desires into Canada.

Battle of Tippecanoe

  • Conflict between Governor William Henry Harrison’s American forces and Native Americans led by Tecumseh's brother. Victory for American forces.

Northern Campaigns

  • Disorganized multiple fronts; American forces struggled against British attacks due to inadequate resources.
    • Major failings included lack of decisive victories at key locations.

Chesapeake Campaign

  • English troops seized Washington, D.C., leading to the burning of the White House.
  • Successful defense of Fort McHenry in Baltimore became a defining moment, leading to the composition of the National Anthem by Francis Scott Key.

Treaty of Ghent

  • Peace agreement that resulted in a stalemate with neither side gaining territorial claims or economic advantages. The principle of "status quo antebellum" established, meaning pre-war conditions were restored.
  • Battle of New Orleans occurred post-treaty due to delayed communication, marking a significant American victory.

Consequences of the War

Hartford Convention

  • Federalist retreat during war efforts led to perceptions of treachery and called into question their viability as a political party.

Legacy of the War

  • Establishment of national pride and generation of new leadership (Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, etc.) emerging from the conflict, paving the way for future political developments.
  • Discussion of the bar for the Federalist party set high as they failed to adapt, resulting in significant decline.

Closing Remarks

  • Scheduled wrap-up of remaining questions and a practice exam before the major test.