There were many factors that contributed to America’s declaration of war with England in 1812. Tensions began many years earlier during the British’s conflict with Napoleon. America lacked the forces needed to support either side. Desperate for soldiers, the British continually kidnapped American sailors to recruit them to the Royal Navy (Carnes & Garrety). Conflicts between English and American sailors on the open sea were plentiful. These actions eventually led Jackson to pass the Embargo Act of 1807 that stopped the export of all American goods. Both sides were deeply hurt by the embargo. Realizing the error of Jackson’s plan, when Madison came to office he lifted the restrictions however relationships were already damaged. The British were accused of recruiting the local Native American population and Federalists to conspire against the Republic. This caused the declaration of war.
As a result of the War of 1812, America was able develop their own national identity (Carnes & Garrety). Unifying of the government meant that democracy could indeed be a success. No immediate changes in territories or policy took place, but there was a great detriment to the native population that settlers felt was a plus. The lack of British goods meant that America was forced to begin manufacturing their own products that contributed to the economy.
However after the war many changes in policy did take place. In 1808 the slave trade was ended, but after the war there was an equal number of slave and free states. The Rush-Bagot Agreement of 1817 limited naval ships in the great lakes area. The lenient credit policy allowed Americans to purchase large quantities of land. The Louisiana Purchase also took place.
Tariffs doubled because of the war effort. This was very controversial to Americans because it limited foreign trade (Carnes & Garrety). The tariffs created quite a controversy. Northerners were sympathetic with the tariffs as it prevented competition for the manufacturing based North. Southerners however despised the tariff because it prevented trade for their primarily agricultural based economy. The South felt that it was being unfairly targeted by Northern agendas.
This division separated the North and South on many issues, eventually leading to the Civil War. The North favored higher tariffs, the abolishment of slavery, and opposed ending the Bank of the United States and the Lenient Credit Policy (Carnes & Garrety). Southerners favored reform of the Bank of the United States, wanted to keep slavery, and opposed the Lenient Credit Policy and tariffs.
The Missouri Compromise resulted from the division of slave and free states. Missouri was set to be considered a slave state, however Northerners objected because it would shift the balance between free and slave states (Carnes & Garrety). Congress was unable to decide the issue until it was proposed that Maine become a free state thus equalizing the balance once again. It was also stated that there would be a line drawn across the country to designate what future states would be either free or slave states.
In conclusion, the War of 1812 was only the beginning of American conflict. Many issues surrounding democracy needed to be worked out before America could truly become a united nation. The split from British influence meant that America had to come to a consensus much faster than they were often able to do.
Works Cited:
Carnes, M. & Garrety, J. (2011) The American Nation: A History of the United States to 1877Volume 1 14 edition. (Carnes & Garrety, 2011) Print.
