Jefferson P2

Speaker: Professor Holman
Focus on Jefferson and Madison administrations during the Jeffersonian Era, specifically on foreign policy.

Main Reason for Louisiana Purchase: Napoleon's ambition to fund his wars in Europe prompted him to sell the Louisiana Territory to the Jefferson administration in 1803.
France's Ambitions: Napoleon aimed to spread the ideals of the French Revolution across Europe, which led to significant backlash from monarchies, such as Britain and Russia.
Outcome: Conflict persisted until Napoleon's final exile in 1815.

Establishment of the Continental System (1806): Napoleon's blockade against British trade closed European ports to British merchants.
British Response: Implemented the Orders in Council, which prohibited trade with France, exacerbating tensions.
American Merchants: The U.S. sought to maintain neutrality and amicable trade relations, but both France and Britain routinely violated American neutrality.

Incidents of Seizure: The British Royal Navy frequently seized American merchant vessels and their cargo destined for French ports.
Impressment of American Sailors: British naval policy involved boarding American ships and capturing sailors they claimed were British subjects, including seizing American citizens and runaway sailors.

International Impact: A British warship attacked a U.S. Navy vessel, leading to the seizure of American sailors, sparking outrage in the U.S.
American Response: Calls for war arose, but Jefferson sought to maintain neutrality as war would be costly for the U.S.

Trade Embargo: Jefferson enacted an embargo on foreign trading, which severely affected the shipping industry, particularly in New England and Mid Atlantic states, generating backlash.
Non-Intercourse Act (1808): This modified the embargo, restricting trade solely with Britain and France, but still proved unpopular.
Madison Administration: Transitioned to Macon’s Bill Number 2 (1810) allowing trade to resume with Britain and France, a response to the previous economic restrictions.

Violations of Neutrality: Continued impressment and trade restrictions were key contributors to the growing call for war against Britain.
Indian Policy: Rapid westward expansion led to conflicts with Native American tribes, some of which were armed and incited by British officials in Canada.
Tecumseh and Indian Resistance: Led a unified resistance against American settlers, culminating in the Battle of Tippecanoe (1811) against William Henry Harrison.
Lawlessness in Florida: Spanish Florida became a refuge for runaway slaves and Native Americans, creating further conflict leading to the desire for invasion.

War Hawks: Groups in Congress, led by figures such as Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, pushed for military action against Britain and territorial expansion.
Declaration of War (1812): Madison, under pressure from War Hawks and public sentiment, eventually asked Congress for a declaration of war, marking the start of the War of 1812.

Initial War Failures: Early losses, including the British occupation and burning of Washington D.C.
Battle of Horseshoe Bend: Significant victory for Andrew Jackson, weakening the Creek tribe and raising his profile as a military leader.
Battle of New Orleans: Post-war battle where Jackson's forces achieved a decisive victory against British troops, solidifying his status as a national hero.

Decline of the Federalist Party: Opposition to the war led to a weakening of the party especially after the Hartford Convention.
Rise of Nationalism: The survival of the United States post-war fostered a sense of American nationalism, embodied in symbols like the flag and the national anthem.

End of the War: Treaty concluded without significant territorial changes, addressing only some ongoing disputes post-war.
Popularity of Madison: Madison emerged as a popular leader despite the criticism during the war for his handling of the conflict and dissent.

Fort McHenry and the National Anthem: The defense of Fort McHenry became a symbol of resilience and pride, leading to the creation of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key after witnessing the battle.
Evolution of National Identity: The War of 1812 was pivotal in the formation of a distinct American identity through shared experiences and symbols.

Discussion of key factors leading to American national identity development beyond just governmental frameworks, emphasizing war's influential role in national pride and unity.
Implications of the War of 1812 on future American politics and identity formation moving into the 19th century.