Controversy of The War of 1812 Essay - 632 Words

The War of 1812, also known as â€Å"Mr. Madison’s War†, was caused by three main disputes between the British and the Americans: several trade acts oppressing America’s trade with both France and Britain, the recruiting of unwilling American men into the Royal Navy, and the British support of Native Americans resisting expansion. Although the unfair actions of the British brought forth much animosity from many Americans, there were still a good number of people opposing the war. There were many arguments between several political parties, and disagreements about the war continued on through the duration of it. According to A People A Nation, the Americans were, yet again, ill-equipped for battle. War campaigns were carried out†¦show more content†¦General William Hull, an inexperienced and somewhat craven soldier, â€Å"waged a timid campaign, retreating more than he attacked† (233). His retreat and abandonment of many forts â€Å"left the enti re Midwest exposed to the enemy† (233). The first land victory of the Americans was the defense of Fort Harrison in Indiana Territory by Captain Zachary Taylor. The next major victory for the Americans was the â€Å"shipbuilding race† between the U.S. and the British. The Americans outbuilt the British and defeated them at the Battle of Put-in-Bay, giving Americans control of Lake Erie. The greatest and most successful land campaigns were led by General William Henry Harrison. His men, including the Kentucky militia volunteers, captured Detroit and defeated the British, Shawnee and Chippewa forces at the Battle of the Thames. The U.S. was able to acquire much needed war materials from their victories, and also regain control of the Northwest. In addition, the Americans burned the Canadian capital of York. However, in retaliation, the British burned Washington D.C. to the ground. The final battle of the war was the Battle of New Orleans. On January 8, 1815, the U.S. and British faced off in a much needed battle to end the war. The poorly trained soldiers of the U.S. held their ground against the well-equipped British forces. Miraculously, more than 2,000 British soldiers were either killed orShow MoreRelatedThe War of 1812 between American and Britain1712 Words   |  7 PagesRevolutionary War between America and Britain, was the year that marked the beginning of a new conflict that would last America the next three years, the War of 1812. On June 16th of that year, President James Madison declared the start of a war that would greatly impact the future of our country. Britain, still one of the worlds greatest superpowers, was currently warring with France at the time of the declaration, however, Britains reputation as a formidable opponent stood strong. The War of 1812 heldRead MoreWhy we Fought in the War of 1812 Essay1102 Words   |  5 PagesWhy we Fought in the War of The war of 1812 is considered by some as the second war for independence.1 The United States had won its independence in 1783, but the British still treated the Americans as though they still had control of them. Americans resented the treatment they received from the British. They felt they were a free country and the British would not recognize them as so. This is believed by many to be the cause of the War of 1812, but no one act can be contributed as such. ThereRead MoreAmerican Spirits Were Exceptionally High At The End Of The War Of 18121486 Words   |  6 PagesAmerican spirits were exceptionally high at the end of the War of 1812 which brought about a defeat of the British once again. 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