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British soldiers are carelessly boarding American ships in search of deserters of the Royal Navy. But they are not capturing just deserters -- they are also capturing free sailors and impressing them into British service. -
President George Washington issues a Neutrality Proclamation to define the policies of America in regards to its continued warfare with Europe. He warns that Americans will be punished for violating these policies and they will not be protected if a "belligerent nation" decides to try them. This sparks controversy and outrage amongst the nation.
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This treaty was passed in order to settle the disputes between America and Great Britain that still remained after the Revolutionary War. However, many issues were still left unremedied, including the restrictions on trade, imports to the British West Indies, and the impressment of sailors. -
George Washington announces his decision to not carry out a third term as president. He also warns the nation against having any alliances with other nations, and to only have temporary alliances for emergencies only -- to stay neutral. The attempt at heeding this advice only got America in trouble during the War of 1812.
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Heavy restrictions are placed on American imports and exports, in the attempt to reduce trade between America, France and Britain, and to express American neutrality since ships are being attacked. However, there are many negative effects on the American citizens and the economy.
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The British ship HMS Leopard pursues the USS Chesapeake off the coast of Virginia. A message is sent, demanding to check the American vessel for British deserters. When Commodore James Barron refuses, the Leopard opens fire on the Chesapeake. The latter must surrender because it is poorly armed. Four deserters are captured, only one of which is actually British. The Leopard takes the men to Halifax to try them.
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Southern and Western expansionists, elected to Congress, advocate for war against Great Britain because of their ambitions for acquiring and using territory in Florida and the Northwest. They held strong opinions against the injuries to the American economy, and the situation with Britain supporting the Native Americans.
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Shawnee Indians, led by Tecumseh's brother Tenskwatawa, ambush sleeping American soldiers under William Henry Harrison's command. However, Harrison's army repels the attack, and subsequently burns the village. The Indian troops flee, then make their way into Canada, where an alliance with the British soon forms.
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Tecumseh was an ally of the British in the 19th century. During the War of 1812, among other accomplishments, Tecumseh's confederacy and their British counterparts forced the surrender of 2,500 American soldiers. Then Fort Detroit was surrendered to a British general who was close with Tecumseh. -
Sailors are being impressed, trade is being restricted, the economy is being destroyed, and the British are supporting the Native Americans attacking American citizens by giving them money and weapons. Because of this, Congress decides to formally declare war against Great Britain.
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Delegates meet in secret in Hartford, Connecticut to draft a formal protest against the federal government's involvement with the War of 1812. The Federalists dominated this convention. The convention's declaration called on the federal government to protect New England, and supply financial aid for New England's poor trading economy. It also recommended the constitutional amendment of having a two-thirds majority vote in order for war to be declared.
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American delegates and British commissioners meet in Belgium to reach terms of peace. This ends with the Treaty of Ghent being signed, and thereby ending the War of 1812.
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Andrew Jackson, fearing an invasion on the Gulf Coast, hastily assembles an army from free men of color, Choctaw Indians, Tennessee and Kentucky Frontiersmen, Jean Lafitte and company, sailors, Louisiana militia, New Orleans businessmen, marines, and U.S. troops. This ragtag army wins against Britain anyway, despite their staggering difference in numbers and experience.