War of 1812 WebQuest Name____Danny

Chau________________________APUSH

Historical Background and Instructions: Conditions prior to the War of 1812

once again drew Great Britain and America into conflict. British impressment of
Americans and the seizing of cargo caused America to exert her newfound
independence and flex her muscle against her former mother country. By the
end of the war in 1815, little had been gained, yet this conflict became known
as the “Second American Revolution” as America further solidified and defended
her boundaries as an independent nation, growing in power and confidence.
Learn more about the War of 1812 as you work through the parts of the
webquest.

Before you begin: Watch this video The War of 1812 in 4 Minutes
produced by the American Battlefield Trust.
1. Go to Google Images and It involves naval officers and sailors
type in “British Impressment” boarding ships and shows men looking
distressed and forcibly being taken
Write a definition based away.
ONLY on what you see in the
pictures.
2. Read the White House James Madison was opposed to war
article about James Madison. before he became president, believing
conflicts were best solved through
-What was his stance on war negotiations. After being elected,
before he become president? Madison’s stance shifted significantly,
-What was his stance after supporting the War of 1812. This
being elected? change was fueled by many factors
-How and why did that including ongoing British impressment
change? which took American sailors, and
restrictions on American trade. With
diplomatic efforts failing, Madison
resorted to military action as he
believed it was the only way to protect
American interests.
3. Visit the War of 1812 Most battles took place on the
Interactive Timeline. northeastern part of the United States,
particularly around the Canadian
-In what area of the United border. The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair
States did most of the battles upset Americans primarily because it
in the War of 1812 take involved the British attacking an
place? American warship, violating American
-What made America upset sovereignty and rights. Highlighting
about the Chesapeake- British impressment and interference
Leopard Affair? with maritime activities.
-What discovery was made
after the end of the Battle of After the battle of Tippecanoe in 1811,
Tippecanoe that added to U.S forces discovered the Native
animosity against the British? American confederation led by
Tecumseh and his brother
Tenskwatawa had been supplied with
British made weapons. Which in the
end led to more animosity towards the
British as it showed the British
involvement with arming the Natives,
enhancing the anti-British sentiment.
4. Famous Quote from the Oliver Hazard Perry, a U.S. naval
War of 1812: “We have met commander, after his victory in the
the enemy, and they are Battle of Lake Erie.
ours.”
Perry leading the battle, and things
-Who said this and in what weren’t going well at first but Perry
context? Read the summary refused to give up. Getting on a
and explain the different ship and turning the tides of
circumstances surrounding the battle and defeating the British.
the quote. After the victory he quoted the report
to the commanders that they had
captured the British ships.
5. Read the Smithsonian British troops burned Washington D.C.,
Magazine Article. destroying the White House and
Capitol. Amidst the chaos, a powerful
-Explain this event. storm emerged and struck the city,
-What were the two including heavy rains and a tornado.
contrasting The American perspective saw the
explanations/viewpoints of storm as a miraculous event that
the effects of the ensuing helped save Washington from
storm? complete destruction and forced the
British to retreat while the British saw
the storm as destructive to both sides,
downplaying its role in their retreat.
Saying its more because they did
 significant damage to Washington
already and that their objectives were
met.
6. How did the war affect The Battle of Thames occurred as part
Native Americans? of a larger conflict between British and
American troops during the war of
-Explain the causes and 1812. The main causes were American
effects of the Battle of the desire to retake Detroit and assert
Thames, including what control over the Northwest territory,
happened to Chief Tecumseh which was lost earlier in the war.
and how the Native
Americans impacted by this. The effects of this battle were the
death of Chief Tecumseh, and the
British retreat leading to American
victory. The natives were further
marginalized and forced into
reservations as U.S. settlers moved
into their lands.
7. During the War of 1812, an The “Star Spangled Banner” was the
important song was written. important song written and it was
composed by Francis Scott Key.
-What song was it? Inspiration for the song came from the
-Who was the composer? Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry on
-Describe the circumstances the night of September 13-14 1814.
that inspired its lyrics. Seeing the American Flag during a
British bombardment which led him to
write the poem about resilience and
survival.
8. During the war, an The USS Constitution was built from
American ship named the white oak and live oak, with black
USS Constitution was locust used for fastenings. This ship
important. played a significant role in boosting
American morale by winning many key
-What building materials naval battles during the War of 1812.
were used to construct the It earned the nickname of “Old
ship? Watch the animation as Ironsides” by having British
it takes you through the cannonballs bounce off the ships thick
construction and launch. hull during the battle against British
-What is the significance of warship Guerriere, which gave the
this ship? sailors the impression that the ships
-How did it get the nickname sides were made of iron.
“Old Ironsides”?
9. The War of 1812 ended The treaty aimed to restore peace,
with the Treaty of Ghent. friendship, and good understanding
between the United States and Great
-What 2 countries will have Britain. The treaty will consist of 11
“peace, friendship, and good articles that outlined the terms of the
understanding”? peace and resolution. Agreements
-How many articles make up required by Article 9 were treatments
the treaty? of Native American tribes who had
-What agreements are been involved in the conflict, requiring
required by Article 9? both Britain and America to restore
-What is important about lands, rights, and privileges previously
Article 10? belonging to them. Article 10 was
important because it focused on the
abolition of slave trade, with mutual
expression from both parties that they
want to end transatlantic trade and
further push for the anti-slavery
sentiments.

Optional additional resource: Crash Course War of 1812 Video