A Time of Conflict
Ch. 9 Sec. 3
I. Americans in Foreign Seas
A. Many merchant ships profited from trade with foreign nations in 1700's and 1800's.
They would travel to South America, Africa, and along the Mediterranean. By 1800 the U.S.
had almost 1,000 ships trading around the world.
B. Sailing foreign waters could be dangerous. Ships had to watch for Barbary pirates from
Tripoli and other Barbary Coast states of North Africa. These pirates demanded tribute to
let ships safely pass the Mediterranean waters.
Barbary Coast states- states along the northern coast of Africa
tribute- protection money
C. The U.S. entered a war with Tripoli. Jefferson refused to pay more money to the ruler of
Tripoli, so war broke out. Jefferson sent ships to blockade Tripoli, but the pirates were not
defeated.
D. In 1804 the pirates seized the U.S. warship Philadelphia. A U.S. navy captain, Stephen
Decatur, snuck a raiding party into Tripoli Harbor and burned the ship. A British admiral
called it the "most bold and daring act of the age."
E. The conflict ended in June 1805 when Tripoli agreed to stop demanding tribute. The
U.S. did have to pay a ransom of $60,000 to releaseAmerican prisoners.
II. Freedom of the Seas
A. Great Britain and France were involved in a war that threatened to interfere with
American trade. America traded with both nations. For two years American shipping had
neutral rights.
neutral rights- the right to sail the seas and not take sides.
B. By 1805 Britain and France took action against neutral rights. Britain blockaded the
French coast and threatened to search all ships trading with France. France threatened to
seize all ships trading with Britain.
C. The British needed sailors, so they kidnapped American sailors. Their naval patrols
claimed the right to search American ships to seize British deserters. This was called
impressment. It caught some deserters, but it forced many native-born or naturalized
American citizens into the British navy.
impressment- forcing men into military action against their wishes
D. In 1807 the British ship Leopard attacked the Chesapeake, demanding to search for
British deserters. 3 Americans were killed and 18 were wounded.
E. Americans were outraged. Many demanded war. Jefferson and Congress instead
passed the...
Embargo Act- prohibited trade with all foreign countries. It was a disaster for
Americans.
embargo- an act that prohibits trade with another nation
So in 1809, Congress repealed the act and passed the...
Nonintercourse Act- prohibited trade with Britain and France
F. Jefferson announced his departure after two terms. James Madison was elected 4th
president.
III. War Fever
A. When James Madison took office, the country was suffering from embargo crisis and
the possibility of war.
B. The war cry grew, but it was hard to determine if the enemy was Britain or France.
Congress passed a law lifting trade with either Britain or France. France lifted its trade
restrictions first, so America could trade with France. Napoleon still continued to seize
American ships, but America saw Britain as more of a threat.
C. the country also had troubles in the West. Settlers continued to move onto lands
guaranteed to Native Americans.
1. Ohio became a state in 1803.
2. Native Americans renewed association with British agents and fur traders in
Canada for protection.
3. Tecumseh, a Shawnee chief, built a confederacy in the Northwest. He believed the
American treaties were worthless and the land was meant for Native Americans.
4. Tecumseh's brother, the Prophet, attracted a following and taught that Native
Americans should give up the white ways. He started a village called Prophetstown in
Indiana, near the Tippecanoe River.
D. Tecumseh met with white people and the Governor of Indiana Territory, General
William Henry Harrison to discuss the growing trouble.
E. The Battle of Tippecanoe- Harrison led and attack on Prophetstown, claiming
American victory. This causes Tecumseh to unite with the British.
F. War Hawks- Young Republicans in 1810 that wanted to declare war with Britain.
1. War Hawks wanted to expand nation's power. Federalists opposed war.
2. The size of the military quadrupled.
3. There was a feeling of...
Nationalism- patriotism or devotion to one's country
G. On June 1, 1812 Madison asks Congress to declare war on Britain. Britain had just
ended its policy of seizing American ships, but the news didn't reach the U.S. in time.