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War Of 1812 Dbq Essay

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The war of 1812 was fought between the Americans and the British and it stretched over 2 years. It went on from June 18, 1812, and ended in a stalemate, without a clear winner, on December 24, 1814. The forces that led the Americans to declare war on Great Britain was because was the British were impressing US sailors, they were seizing American trade ships, and because Britain was arming Native Americans in the West, and using them to their advantage against the United States. The first reason that led the Americans to declare war on Great Britain was because they were impressing US Navy sailors. Since Britain was fighting two wars at once, on in Europe against Napoleon and one in North America against the United States, they were in desperate …show more content…

Before the War of 1812 began, Britain was already fighting Napoleon in Europe. The United States was neutral at the time, and traded with both England, and France. In efforts to break down France’s supply system, Britain started to seize American trade ships headed to the ports of France. In doing so, while they were hurting France, they were also hurting American commerce and economy. In addition, Britain was doing this at the cost of US sailors on the trade ships. According to the Committee of Foreign Relations of the U.S House of Representatives, “...the United States … claim the right to use the ocean, which is the common and acknowledged highway of nations, for the purpose of transporting, in their own vessels, the products of their own soil”. They are saying that, like any other independent country, the United States has a right to use the ocean to trade. The report also explains, “Great Britain, in defiance of this incontestable right, captures every American vessel bound to, or returning from, a port where her commerce is not favored. [For example, American vessels headed to France] … and in spite of our [complaints and protests], perseveres in these aggressions.” When Britain continued to seize American vessels after complaints and protest, it angered the people of …show more content…

According to the textbook, “America’s Past and Promise”, even before the War of 1812 began, Britain was arming Native Americans in the West to hinder the American settlers trying to push to the western lands. The relationship between the Natives and the Americans was not good to begin with, since the Americans were trying to take the Natives’ land. Britain took advantage of this and started to give the Natives weapons to use against the United States. This of course didn’t sit well with congress and the citizens of the United States. Also, Britain, with adequate warning, continued to do this. This was another force that led the Americans to declare war against

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