War Of 1812 Dbq Research Paper

In 1812, the United States found themselves at war again with Great Britain 29 years after the American Revolution. Although, this was not unexpected, and tensions of going to war were growing. In 1800, President Adams agreed to the Convention of 1800; ending the alliance that had formed between the Americas and France during the American Revolution. Nevertheless, both countries violated American trading rights, with Britain often seizing and kidnapping sailors; called impressment. The Embargo of 1807 restricted trade of the Americas with other foreign countries including France and Great Britain. Unfortunately, this restriction failed to force European powers to respect our rights, and harmed the economy, throwers many merchants and sailors …show more content…
“ Great Britain...captures every American vessel bound to, or returning from, a port where her commerce is not favored; enslaves our seamen” (Document 1). Congressman John C. Calhoun from South Carolina believed that they had to protect their maritime rights and the only way to resolve this conflict would be with war. “ These rights are essentially attacked, and war is the only means of redress.” ( Document 2). The British are too violent and Americans are fed up with ships being seized and ending up in British hands, Madison is declaring war with Britain. “ We behold our seafaring citizens still the daily victims of lawless violence...wrested taken from their lawful destinations.. Into British ports..” (Document 4). The War of 1812 was blatantly caused by the ever growing tensions between Great Britain.Great Britain kept seizing and capturing people from American ships and keeping them for themselves; also known as impressment. The Americans believed that if Great Britain did not respect their maritime rights then it would have to lead to war. As a result, that is exactly what they did, Madison declared war on Great