War of 1812

John C. Calhoun

12 / 15 / 05

The war of 1812

The war of 1812 had actually been taking place since as early as 1807, but war was not officially declared by congress until June 8, 1812. The war was caused by the need for land and money. Britain had been attacking the Americans since as early as 1803 and it was in the places that hurt the most. The British had been attacking American and trade ships that were returning. They would also simply take the crew captive and burn the ship. Between the years 1803 and 1812, British Naval captains had forced over 10,000 American citizens to work on British ships. They would also turn back foreign trade ships that were bringing needed supplies and trade to America. America was shut off from trade and they were losing money profusely. This war was caused partly by America's need for land, and partly by their need for money, and finally by there anger directed towards the British for what they were doings them.

Though the Americans declared war, they had absolutely no intention of fighting a war. There perspective on the war was that the British would be too engaged in the war on France to fight a war with America simultaneously, and so they would offer a treaty. America would then happily accept the treaty, and then The British would stop hindering the American trade, and the Americans would only accept under the condition of more land in the north. America was growing and needed growing room. Aside from moving west, America would move north into the Canadian territory. America had encouraged settlers to move north and west, and north was a much more wanted place because it had rich hunting land. The North was also a more Ideal area for, because the American government had to buy land in the west, mostly from France, and America was already in financial trouble.