PA Contribution to the War of 1812

Pennsylvania’s Contribution to the War of 1812 : 

Pennsylvania’s Contribution to the War of 1812

Background to the War of 1812 : 

Background to the War of 1812 British and French ships seized American cargoes and sailors Between 1793-1811, the British seized an estimated 10,000 sailors from US ships, especially English-born US citizens. a. The peak years were 1808-11 when 6,000 were pressed into service. b. It should be noted that US merchant marines and navy encouraged British naval deserters to enlist, offering higher wages and much better treatment compared with the strict discipline on British naval ships and also aided British seamen in securing false naturalization papers

Chesapeake-Leopard Affair June 1807 : 

Chesapeake-Leopard Affair June 1807 (1) Ten miles off the coast of Virginia, the US frigate Chesapeake was stopped by the British frigate Leopard .(2) The British claimed four men on the US ship were deserters, demanding their surrender (3) When US commander Commodore James Barron refused, a battle resulted which killed 3, wounded 18 and damaged the US ship before the deserters were forcibly removed

Western demands for war : 

Western demands for war 1. Reasons for western pressure a) Depression in Ohio Valley b) Desire for Canadian land i) Future fur-trading ii) Region needed for expansion of settlers iii) Pawn to trade with England

War of 1812 : 

War of 1812 James Madison asked Congress for a war declaration on June 18, 1812. A. Three-pronged attack of Canada failed due to American incompetence. B. US burn York (now Toronto), leading to later British burning of Washington, D.C. C. Naval victories on Lake Erie and Lake Champlain prevented British counterattack.

War comes to an end : 

War comes to an end At Treaty of Ghent, American and British negotiators agree to end fighting on December 24, 1814 British invade New Orleans, only to be defeated by American troops under Andrew Jackson's command in January 1815 Contributions to our National Heritage Named White House after repainting National Anthem - “Star Spangled Banner” Famous Fighting Ship - “Old Ironsides” – Captained by Charles Stewart of Pennsylvania Cartoon Symbol - “Uncle Sam”

Pennsylvania’s Contributions to the War : 

Pennsylvania’s Contributions to the War Naval Heroes Captain Stephen Decatur – commanded the “President”; did not surrender his ship until surrounded by 3 English ships. Captain James Biddle – led the “Wasp” & “Hornet” to many victory over English ships Captain Charles Stewart –captained USS Constitution “Old Ironsides” Army Leader General Jacob Brown – led American troops to invade Canada Financier of the War Stephen Girard - ship owner and banker from Philadelphia bought almost 5 million dollars in bonds to finance the war. Upon his death, his finances established Girard Bank and a school for orphans.

Pennsylvania’s Contributions to the War : 

Pennsylvania’s Contributions to the War Battle of Lake Erie Oliver Hazard Perry built 8 ships to take on a fleet of English ships. These ships were built by carpenters from Pennsylvania who took trees from near Presque Isle (Erie, PA) and quickly built the ships. Using the cover of fog and deception, Perry moved the ships to where they could fight the larger force. After a brief battle, the American forces despite being greatly outgunned (70 guns to 34) won a resounding victory which opened the Great Lakes.