War of 1812
Zach Ledogar
U.S. History 113
Professor Ajemian
15 April 2011
War of 1812
After the great American Revolutionary War was fought and won by the Americans, Great Britain’s forces returned home in much defeat. What was now called the United States of America was on its way to become a strong independent nation separate from Great Britain’s rule. What some people nowadays overlook is the fact that Great Britain would eventually try to take another blow at the American people. This second attempt at defeating the Americans is known as the War of 1812.
It can be said that there are multiple reasons for the start of the War of 1812, but there is a main reason for the increased tensions, which brought about a two-year war between America and Great Britain. Great Britain had declared war against France in 1803, but due to the poor pay, sleeping conditions, and lack of food given to Great Britain’s naval soldiers, many soldiers deserted which led to the search for British abandoners. The working conditions on American vessels were much more desirable and attracted many of the British soldiers who fled. British ships began to search out and take back their soldiers due to lack of manpower, which was hurting them in the war against France. Then in 1807, British ship HMS Leopard fired at the American vessel, Chesapeake, which was carrying four former British naval soldiers.
“During this period the USS Chesapeake was preparing for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea to become the flagship there under Commodore James Barron. As the Chesapeake was leaving the bay, the HMS Leopard hailed her and Commodore Barron, extending Naval courtesy, stopped his ship and allowed the British to come on board. The commodore was presented with a request to muster the crew for inspection by the British officers in order to recover British deserters. Commodore Barron refused stating he had no deserters in his crew. Upon the return of the officers to the HMS Leopard, the Leopard
U.S. History 113
Professor Ajemian
15 April 2011
War of 1812
After the great American Revolutionary War was fought and won by the Americans, Great Britain’s forces returned home in much defeat. What was now called the United States of America was on its way to become a strong independent nation separate from Great Britain’s rule. What some people nowadays overlook is the fact that Great Britain would eventually try to take another blow at the American people. This second attempt at defeating the Americans is known as the War of 1812.
It can be said that there are multiple reasons for the start of the War of 1812, but there is a main reason for the increased tensions, which brought about a two-year war between America and Great Britain. Great Britain had declared war against France in 1803, but due to the poor pay, sleeping conditions, and lack of food given to Great Britain’s naval soldiers, many soldiers deserted which led to the search for British abandoners. The working conditions on American vessels were much more desirable and attracted many of the British soldiers who fled. British ships began to search out and take back their soldiers due to lack of manpower, which was hurting them in the war against France. Then in 1807, British ship HMS Leopard fired at the American vessel, Chesapeake, which was carrying four former British naval soldiers.
“During this period the USS Chesapeake was preparing for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea to become the flagship there under Commodore James Barron. As the Chesapeake was leaving the bay, the HMS Leopard hailed her and Commodore Barron, extending Naval courtesy, stopped his ship and allowed the British to come on board. The commodore was presented with a request to muster the crew for inspection by the British officers in order to recover British deserters. Commodore Barron refused stating he had no deserters in his crew. Upon the return of the officers to the HMS Leopard, the Leopard