The War of 1812 APUSH Topics to Study for Test Day

Leading up to the War of 1812, France and Britain were at war with each other. Americans did not desire to get involved with the war, but they wanted to continue to trade with these nations, if possible. Unfortunately, relations with Britain continued to suffer as skirmishes broke out with the Indians in the Western territory. When the Indians allied with the British and the British Navy continued to intervene with American vessels, war seemed inevitable. Here are some things you should know for the War of 1812 APUSH questions you should prepare to answer. What Was the War of 1812? Fought between the United States and Great Britain, the War of 1812 included battles from Canada to the Western territory and Florida. Outraged with the impressment of American sailors among other things, America wanted to protect their sailors from being forced into joining the British Navy. By going to war, Americans hoped to: stop impressment of American sailors and the seizing of American trade ships; end battles between Americans and Indians in the Western territory; seize the British holds in Canada and the Northwest; and claim Florida from Spain, one of Great Britain’s allies. When Did It Take Place? Although it’s called the War of 1812, tensions grew for many years before that. Finally, Congress officially declared war on Great Britain on June 18, 1812. The war ended in December 181- British forces landed in Chesapeake Bay and proceeded to march on Washington. They burned several public buildings, including the Capitol and the White House, on August 2. Battle at Fort McHenry; September 13, 181- Delegates met in Ghent to discuss the terms for ending the war. Both sides agreed to return land taken during the war and end fighting. Hartford Convention; December 15, 1814 – January 5, 1815- The Federalists met together in Hartford, Connecticut to discuss commerce. They were angry with the war and wanted to secede from the Union. This only angered the rest of the country, eventually dispelling the Federalist Party. Attack on New Orleans; January 8, 1815 Without knowledge of the treaty, British forces attacked New Orleans but lost to Andrew Jackson’s troops. War of 1812 APUSH Practice Questions 1. Which of the following statements are NOT true about the Battle of New Orleans? a. Andrew Jackson led the troops into battle and emerged as a hero. b. The British were forced to surrender and ultimately lost the war. c. The battle took place after the war had ended. d. It was a major win for Americans, creating great feelings of patriotism. Answer: B. Although the British were defeated in the Battle of New Orleans, the win did not impact the results of the war. This is especially true since the war ended over a month before the battle occurred. 2. Why did Americans want to go to war against the British in the War of 1812? a. The British were at war with France, who was one of America’s greatest allies. b. Americans were angry with the British for firing on their ships and capturing their sailors. c. Several British settlements were created on land claimed by Americans along the Western frontier. d. The British refused to trade with American merchants, which destroyed the American economy. Answer: B. Americans were angry with impressment of American sailors and the firing on American ships when Britain was at war with France.