An Analysis of Combat and Economic Warfare in the War of 1812 in America

The war of 1812 was caused by a series of events that angered both sides. Each side had goals they wanted to complete. The British wanted to stop Napoleonâ€TMs invasion into Britain. America took advantage of it, and started selling things and helping both sides. This just made the British angrier at America. The British didnâ€TMt like the Americans supplying their enemies. Their naval ship, the HMS Leopard, attacked an American merchant ship, USS Chesapeake. They also raided it and stole some supplies. They also forced some of the crew to fight for them. This was another reason to go to war for the Americans.

The British navy also started capturing ships. They needed more men to fight the war at sea. The British officers made the sailors and crew of the captured ships fight for the Crown against their own will. This action was called impressment. It was a violation of their rights. These also angered the American people, and made them more concerned about their merchantsâ€TM safety. The destruction of the USS Chesapeake by the HMS Leopard is called the Chesapeake-Leopard affair. This affair, and British impressment, caused an embargo on France and Britain. This meant no trade with both sides. They viewed it as economic warfare. British merchants were furious with the decrease in American goods. Meanwhile, their trade with Canada skyrocketed. Without American products, both sides were weakened. America wanted to get Britain out of America, as well as expand their own nation.

They decided to invade Canada, because of its land and resources. The attacks were focused on what is now Ontario and Quebec. Their plan was a massive attack from all sides and capture Quebec city to cut off supplies and troops transported by the saint Lawrence river. This attack was also caused out of fear from being attacked by the British from Americaâ€TMs northern flank. The American attacks were interrupted by Tecumseh and his men. They were also supported by the British army currently occupying Canada. The British forces were led by General Brock. Both men died in battle, but their efforts were enough to drive the Americans back.

Their plan for expansion was foiled. The two officers that fought in the battle became heroes. General Brock is now known as the “Hero of Canadaâ€, and Tecumseh is known as the “Defender of Canadaâ€. All of these events were the main reasons the war of 1812 was waged. Combat warfare and Economic warfare were involved in these events. Both sidesâ€TM reactions to these events basically caused the war. Eventually Britain lost because of their economic struggle, and their troop shortage caused by the embargo. America won, but there was no big expansion of the nation.

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