The War of 1812: What began the outbreak?

The War of 1812: What began the outbreak?

The War of 1812 was between the U.S., Great Britain and eventually Canada. The question is what caused this war to begin or as stated above, what began the outbreaks of this war? This answer is fairly simple. The British were at a long, ever lasting battle with France. They wanted to cut off all trade with the U.S. and France so the French wouldn't recieve supplies or goods from the U.S., or in fact, from any other country. Doing so, the British passed the Orders in Council which forced countries to acquire a license from their authorities before trading with France. The British not only enforced this rule but they also demanded that the U.S. sailors had to serve on the side of the British Navy (this is known as impressment.) The British also supported the Indian tribes while Americans were trying to expand their land. After these restrictions and conflicts that the British stated, what do you think the U.S. did? Do you think they declared war on Britain or did they just sit back and let the British keep ruling them? If you guessed that they declared war you are correct! President Madison, small but mighty, ended up declaring the war on June 18, 1812.

If you are one who guessed the U.S. should sit back and let the British continue to rule, then you have others on your side. This war was not fully encouraged by all. The New England states were against it because they thought it would threaten their sea port-based livelihood. They ended up accusing the President saying the war was a pointless and costly conflict. Although there was negativity, Madison kept going and still declared the war.

CANADA IS COMING...

Are you wondering how the Canadians come into play during this war... now is your chance to know! In the beginning of the war the U.S. wanted to take some of the Canadian land. The British used this information for their benefit. The U.S. not only had to worry about the British, but now they had to be concerned about the Canadians. The British army promised the French speaking Canadians that they guaranteed their freedom of language and religion if they were to fight for the British. They told them the Americans wouldn't be giving them the same rights if the U.S. controlled Canada. They soon believed the British and began fighting along side them against the U.S. This advanced the war even further.

Looking for more information on this topic? Please click on the following links below:
(Included is a very informative video explaining more about my main topic and two sites I referred    to for my information.)

• War of 1812: explaining out breaks
• Canadians come into play
• War of 1812

Here's an additional video explaining more about the war in depth.


Vocab words to know:

• Nationalism- love and unity of the entire nation 
• Sectionalism- division based on differences