War of 1812 Study Guide

What was impressment and why do you think it became such an issue between the U.S. and Great Britain?

American sailors were kidnapped to work in the British Navy. This made the American angry, and led a lot of people to call for war with Britain.

What kind of methods did General Andrew Jackson use to fortify New Orleans in the military battle against the British?

Andrew Jackson organized and created a diverse group of soldiers; They put the city on lock-down; Andrew Jackson makes his men ambush the British.

What were the main issues which led to James Madison's Declaration of War in 1812?

British impressment with the American sailors; The British support of Native Americans in the west; British interference with American shipping.

The Treaty of Ghent was brokered in 1814, yet the war went on. What miscommunication led to the extension of the war to New Orleans?

Even though the peace treaty was signed December of 1814, it doesn't get to the British or Americans quickly. That resulted to the Battle of New Orleans still being fought.

Why was the death of Robert Ross such a critical loss for the war?

He was the most capable leader and the strongest; They would be more unorganized and effective.

The burning of Washington was a pivotal event in the war 1812. How did Dolley Madison and Stephen Pleasanton help "save" the nation's history?

Madison had saved a painting of George Washington. The Peasants save important government documents such as the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution.

Why did the New England Federalist oppose the war? How did this opposition play into later events in the war?

New England Federalist opposed the war they were relying on Britain for trade. They already knew that the war would cause the disruption with trade and it would hurt their economy. Later events in the war, the Federalist threatened to leave the Union which cause Madison to have to seek for peace.

What did the flag at Fort McHenry symbolize to Francis Scott Key? Were you surprised by the United States' victory?

The flag symbolizes the american struggle that they went through to defend their city and also independence.

Through the War of 1812 was fought by men, women contributed to the war effort in several ways discussed in the documentary. What are some of the contributions women made to the war?

The flags that were flown over the Fort McHenry during its siege by the British were made by Mary Pickersgill.

In what ways was the United States military unprepared for war as they look on the British in Canada?

Their soldiers were untrained, they had unreliable generals, and they had no allies.