Jefferson, Madison, and the Path to the War of 1812

. Jefferson’s Second Term and Foreign Policy Challenges

• Jefferson aimed to maintain neutrality during European conflicts (Napoleonic Wars).

• Britain and France disregarded U.S. neutrality, seizing American ships and violating trade rights.

1. British and French Interference in Trade

• Impressment: The British navy kidnapped American sailors, claiming they were British deserters.

• Chesapeake-Leopard Affair (1807):

  • British warship Leopard fired on the U.S. warship Chesapeake, killing 3 Americans and capturing 4.

  • Public outrage, calls for war, but Jefferson responded with economic pressure instead.

2. Embargo Act of 1807

• Prohibited all U.S. exports to foreign nations.

• Intended to hurt Britain economically, forcing them to respect U.S. neutrality.

• Backfired: Devastated the U.S. economy, especially in New England (trade-dependent).

• Led to smuggling and increased calls for secession in New England.

• Repealed in 1809, replaced by a weaker version (Non-Intercourse Act).

3. Non-Intercourse Act (1809)

• Reopened trade with all nations except Britain and France.

• Failed to stop violations of U.S. neutral rights.

II. Election of 1808 and Madison’s Presidency (1809-1817)

• James Madison (Democratic-Republican) easily won against Federalist Charles Pinckney.

• Benefited from Jefferson’s popularity, but inherited foreign policy struggles (Embargo Act backlash, trade conflicts).

• Federalists gained seats in Congress due to opposition to Democratic-Republican economic policies.

2. Macon’s Bill No. 2 (1810)

• Restored trade with Britain and France.

• Clause: If either country respected U.S. neutrality, the U.S. would stop trade with the other.

• Napoleon’s Deception:

  • France pretended to respect U.S. neutrality.

  • Madison embargoed Britain, but France continued to seize U.S. ships.

  • Result: Britain remained hostile, pushing the U.S. closer to war.

III. Rising Tensions on the Western Frontier

1. British Support for Native American Resistance

• Tecumseh and The Prophet (Shawnee leaders) attempted to unite Native tribes against U.S. expansion.

• Battle of Tippecanoe (1811):

  • William Henry Harrison led U.S. forces against Tecumseh’s forces.

  • U.S. won, but discovered British-supplied weapons, fueling anti-British sentiment.

2. War Hawks in Congress

• New generation of leaders (mostly from the South and West) demanded war with Britain.

• Key figures: Henry Clay (KY) and John C. Calhoun (SC).

• Motivations:

  • Defend U.S. honor from British impressment and interference.

  • Destroy Native resistance on the frontier.

  • Seize Canada from Britain.