Madison and the War of 1812 (5.5)

Content Covered in the Song

The existence of treaties between the United States and local nations

Westward movement of settlers beyond the Appalachian Mountains

Rising conflict over land, authority, and expansion

Growing tension in frontier regions as settlement increased

Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa’s call for unity and resistance

Efforts to unite multiple groups to protect land and traditional ways

U.S. government concern over the formation of a confederation

The establishment of Prophetstown along the Tippecanoe River

U.S. military action taken while Tecumseh was away

The Battle of Tippecanoe

Heavy losses on both sides

The conflict remaining unresolved after the battle

Continued problems with Britain during European wars

British interference with American trade

Seizure of American ships

Forced service of American sailors

Britain supplying weapons to groups opposing U.S. expansion

Growing anger and resentment toward Britain

Calls for war from members of Congress

The role of national pride in pushing toward conflict

Opposition to war from regions dependent on trade

The United States declaring war in 1812

Lack of military preparedness due to earlier budget cuts

A small standing army and limited navy

Recruitment of volunteers with promises of money and land

British naval blockade of American ports

Early difficulties for the United States during the war

A key naval victory boosting American morale

American attempts to invade Canada

Most invasion attempts failing

Limited successes followed by setbacks

A major American naval victory on Lake Erie

British retreat from key positions

Control of waterways shaping the course of the war

Britain sending additional troops after defeating Napoleon

British forces invading Washington, D.C.

Burning of government buildings, including the White House

British attack on Fort McHenry

Successful defense of the fort

The defense becoming a symbol of national resilience

The Battle of New Orleans

A major American victory in the South

The battle occurring after peace negotiations were completed

The Treaty of Ghent officially ending the war

No major territorial changes resulting from the war

Debate over whether the war was necessary

A strengthened sense of national identity and confidence

The broader lesson that pressure, expansion, and conflict shaped the young nation