CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF THE WAR OF 1812 4
Running Head: CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF THE WAR OF 1812. 1
Causes and Effects of the War Of 1812
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The war of 1812, also known as the “Forgotten War” was a significant event in the history of the U.S; after the end of the war, it gained respect globally. According to Horsman (1962), the causes of the war are historically agreed to be the result of maritime issues between the U.S and Britain. However, the roots run much deeper below the surface and include even more historical event that is not generally referred to be the causes of the war. What gave rise to this war was the British invasion in the American trade. The European war between Britain and France made America try maintaining its sovereignty. Both Britain and France used strangulation of the economy to defeat each other. In 1802, British soldiers blocked the French possession in Europe. The ships of the United States always sailed by the nation’s ports in an attempt to evade the British trade restriction imposed on France. The trade restrictions were damaging to the American economy and thus, made the U.S declare war against Britain to withdraw the trade barriers.
In addition to that, the seizing of United States soldiers by the British army. Kidnapping of the American sailors. The British marine soldiers had a challenge with human labor shortage seized the American citizens illegally to work in their ships. This act was considered an insult to sovereignty American since American people believed that any state that allowed the seizure, as well as the enslavement of its citizens, was not independent. This action left the United States with no choice but to fight in solidarity with their citizens.
The attack on “Chesapeake” an American vessel by the British was also a chief cause of the war of 1812. The British ship “Leopard” attacked the American vessel because the captain did not let the British official seize American citizens. It led to the murder of three American soldiers. This was unacceptable and pressed Americans over the edge. Following this attack, the British began to recognise potential hostilities emanating from the U.S. and Canada. To curb this, the British formed a strong alliance with the Indians in the Northwest. This gained considerable attention in Washington as this was perceived as the renewal of Indian warfare. Due to this the relationship between Britain and America worsened further (Mintz, 2003).
In 1804, William Harrison discovered that the Indians were being compensated by the British to assault America. This shock revelation was found after a violent war with the Indians where William and his team found them in possession of British gun powder and guns. However, when Britain was coerced on the same issue, they contradicted any relation with the Indians. Despite Indians being defeated by the U.S on several occasions, they still raided continuously as well as terrorised the American settlements. So for the United States and her environs to be safe, it was decided that the only way to do it was by driving away people of British origin out of Canada, as well as makes Canada one of the states of America.
The British actions towards the American people brought bitter tensions between the two countries. This detestation was acted upon the moment President Madison declared war against Britain. In fact, in Madison’s message announcing for war in 1812 he asserted, “In reviewing the conduct of Great Britain towards the United States our attention is necessarily drawn to the warfare just renewed by the savages on one of our extensive frontiers” The emergence of the war was as a result agitating relationship between Britain and the United States. While it is the British who are generally blamed for the War of 1812, it was, in fact, one of the more ingenious plans of Napoleon that is indeed to blame for the declaration of the war. The United States maintained neutrality in its governments since the 1780s. The imminent risks in changing the policies as well as solving the existing accusations against Britain were much. In an attempt to forestall the events that could cause war, an embargo was created and passed in the year 1807. This created depression all which opened trade in various countries except for England and France. Napoleon agreed to the treaty, and he compelled the U.S to withdraw the ban against Britain. His efforts succeeded when England failed to cancel the attack on Europe in due time. As a result, the tension between Great Britain and America grew beyond peace. Military unpreparedness was another cause of the war. Since the U.S was a new country, their military was not prepared. Their soldiers were untrained state militias who had never been in a battlefield. However, America had to use them if they were to stand a chance of triumphing.
The war of 1812 had many effects on America. This war included the maritime trade airlines against the citizens of America at the Northeast. American soldiers could attain more than they expected as they emerged victors. According to Black (2002) this war also brought about a new dimension of Nationalism in America; fought to maintain its place in the globe. Americans became proud of their own country, and other states began to develop respect for what had been nothing more than a British colony. For the first time in the country’s history, American citizens were able to view themselves as independent people. This war changed the face of the United States account for decades to come. Without the fight, they could have never been that American pride being witnessed today. The War of 1812 also taught America about their foreign policy as well as how to deal with global issues. It also showed them how significant it was to prepare for anything militarily. This war changed the landscape of America and its politics, making an impact that is still felt up to now.
In conclusion, we can assert that the War of 1812 was an essential event in the US; it brought about the establishment of the sovereignty of the USA, identity as well as a country that was able to defend itself. This war favoured the American citizens given that the government of British had no more had reasons to interfere with trade in America. The Indians who were a significant impediment to the American settlement are no longer a threat. Indeed, the War of 1812 is such war that called for a short time sacrifice for the collective greater good for all the American people.
References
Black, J. (2002). America as a Military Power. From the American Revolution to the Civil War. 2nd ed. New York: Connecticut.
Horsman, R. (1962). The Causes of the War of 1812. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania
Mintz, S. (2003) War of 1812. Digital History. Retrieved from http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/hisstoryonline/us10.