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British Citizenship and the American Civil War

• Every British citizen is subject to serving in the British Navy.

• Britain does not recognize immigration as altering one's citizenship.

• The American Civil War changes the international perception of citizenship:

  • Irish Americans fighting in the Civil War are arrested by Britain, which labels them as Irish citizens.

  • The U.S. insists on recognizing them as naturalized American citizens, leading to treaties that acknowledge the right to naturalize.

• Britain maintains that those born in the colonies are British citizens and must serve in the Royal Navy regardless of the American Revolution.

The Chesapeake-Leopard Incident

• Noted as a significant embarrassment in American naval history.

• The HMS Leopard fired upon the USS Chesapeake:

  • The Leopard's crew were unprepared and couldn't properly mobilize their weaponry.

  • Lack of drills by the Chesapeake's captain before departure contributed to the incident.

The Embargo Act of 1807

• Introduced by Thomas Jefferson as a response to British interference with American shipping.

  • A self-imposed embargo that prohibits trade with any nation.

  • Consequences include economic hardship and widespread dissent within the American populace.

• Jefferson's Democratic-Republicans traditionally opposed a large military, instead favoring smaller naval forces, known as gunboats.

• The gunboats, however, ended up enforcing the embargo against American citizens, causing further discontent.

The War Hawks

• By 1810-1811, a spirited group of Congress members known as War Hawks emerges, led by Henry Clay.

• War Hawks advocate for conflict with Britain to defend U.S. interests and honor, arguing that British impressment equates to national submission.

  • The term 'submission' denotes dishonor, akin to a dog submitting to its master.

• In June 1812, President Madison declares war against Britain.

Naval Strategy Debate

• Key discussions within Congress regarding naval versus land warfare:

  • Some advocate a land invasion of Canada due to the Royal Navy's superiority at sea.

  • Others suggest leveraging privateers to attack British commerce instead; a Senate bill proposing a "Sea War Only" is narrowly defeated.

U.S. Naval Strength in 1812

• In stark contrast to the British Royal Navy:

  • U.S. Navy: 19 vessels (only 16 in service, 7 of which are frigates).

  • British Navy: 850 vessels, including major firepower with 600 in service.

• There was uncertainty about how to best utilize the limited U.S. naval forces, with differing opinions from senior naval command.

Early Naval Operations

• John Rogers leads the U.S. squadron, initiating attacks on British merchant vessels before being directed.

• Initial American naval engagements see a string of victories by U.S. frigates, displaying superior design and skilled American officer crews.

Noteworthy Naval Leaders

• Isaac Hull (Captain of USS Constitution):

  • Significant experience since joining the Navy in 1798; known for his exceptional sailing skills.

• Hull manages to evade a much larger British squadron in a remarkable chase, showcasing effective seamanship.

• Wins the first major naval victory of the war on August 19, 1812, against the British frigate Guerriere.

The Role of Privateering

• Throughout 1812, privateering emerges as a crucial strategy:

  • The U.S. grants letters of marque to around 500 privateers, significantly disrupting British commerce by capturing over 1,300 British ships.

• The effectiveness of privateering drives up British maritime insurance costs and increases public pressure in Britain to end the conflict.

Other Key Battles and Events

• Battle of Lake Erie:

  • Commanded by Oliver Hazard Perry; Perry builds a squadron from scratch and defeats the British, allowing for the capture of Detroit.

• Battle of Lake Champlain:

  • Commanded by Thomas McDonough in 1814, prevents British forces from taking New York; McDonough executes innovative tactics using stationary vessels.

Conclusion of the War

• The Treaty of Ghent, signed in December 1814, ends the War of 1812, reverting territorial changes and failing to resolve impressment issues.

• Despite this, the U.S. experiences a surge of nationalism and pride, particularly in the naval accomplishments against Britain.

• The war precipitates significant developments in American naval policy and strength going forward, including increased naval construction and a rise in patriotism.