What was America's role in The War of 1812?

Answer 1

The War of 1812 was America's second War for Independence. You have to understand that after the Revolutionary War, most European nations, including Great Britian, believed that America would eventually fall back under British control. The U.S. did not have the respect of the world. And the British were outright hostile toward the new nation.

A lot people will blame the start of the war on the impressment of American sailors by the British navy as the cause of the war. The truth is that the cause of the War of 1812 began in Michigan.

After the Revolutionary War the British Government, hoping to control the Great Lakes and the very valuable fur trade in the Northwest Territories of Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana and Illinois, never left their forts in Detroit and Mackinac. (If you don't believe that the fur trade was important...you have to understand that after the War of 1812 America's richest man was John Jacob Aster, who made his fortune in Northwest Territory fur).

The British, in an attempt to halt American settlement of the Northwest Territories began to arm the Native Americans in the region. This led to some bloody battles including Tippecanoe. Infuriated, warhawks from the new states of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois began to call for war against the British. In 1812 their calls were answered.

The British sought to regain control of the colonies by soundly defeating the Americans and capturing D.C. The Americans had their eye on Canada and forever forcing the British out of the North America.

The War of 1812 ended in a stalemate. The Treaty of Paris that ended the war basically said everything would return to the pre-war conditions.

However, the United States...in fighting to a stand still with arguably the world's mightiest super power gained the respect of the world and solidified their independence.

Answer 2

America was neutral until Britain began, and then continued to halt American merchant ships on the high seas and impress American seamen into the British navy. From this point old wounds arose along the Canadian/American border and skirmishes began to erupt. This escalated into major battles with both sides having a number of wins and losses. The American side was comprised primarily of regulars and State volunteer militias and the Canadian side was comprised primarily of British regulars, Canadian troops and Indians. Emotions rose when the Indians committed massacres of Americans who were captured included wounded.

With the British raid on Washington DC the people of the American States became inflamed with total resistance and were inspired by the total rout of the British by the American Armies at the Battle of New Orleans.

As in the past, Britain was finding it difficult to fight on two fronts and with its primary enemy being Napoleon it sued for peace with the Americans and the American British War of 1812 came to an end as did the impressment of American Seamen into the British Navy.

This abrasive relationship between America and Britain would again arise during the 1860s but would not result in Britain becoming militarily involved on the American mainland.

Answer 3

American expansionists wanted to grab Florida and Canada while the UK was occupied with Napoleon. New England threatened to secede because the war interfered with shipping. We fought to a standstill (although we did finally eliminate Tecumseh and his federation from the old Northwest) and then watched in horror as Napoleon went down to defeat and we were faced with a massive invasion from the greatest military in the world. The diplomats negotiated a quick treaty, but the news didn't get back in time to stop the invasion. Luckily General Jackson, with help from Amerindians, French pirates, free blacks and anyone else he could round up, defeated the British.

The British finally accepted our independence, and we never made the mistake of attacking them again. Ironically, it is from Jackson's seemingly miraculous defense of United States' independence, and not from the Revolution, that some people get the idea that the United States is a divinely guided (or at least protected) nation.

Answer 4

Britain was locked in a long struggle against Napoleon, when the US attacked British interests in Canada.

British forces quickly reached Washington, burned the White House down, then, having made their point, agreed to peace with the US to concentrate on Napoleon.

Answer 5

The Americans were our enemy. Not only that but they cowardly waited until we were involved in fighting Napoleon in Spain before launching their imfamous invasion of peaceful Canada.

Answer 6

None. Napoleon was fighting the Russians. America was not involved

Answer 7

the British just couldn't except the fact that we kicked their a-s in the revolutionary war and just had to have another go at us.
America's roll was repeating what we did the 1st time witch was kicking their a-s.
( the Britt's have been known to be on the hard headed side ya know )