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What if the British won the War of 1812?

Continuing Tensions

The Acts, Orders in Council, &c. of Great Britain (1793-1812)

Tensions Before the War

At the beginning of the 18th century, Britain was consumed in bitter war with their long-time enemy and rival, France. France during the late 17th and early 18th century was dictated by Napoleon Bonaparte. In attempt to weaken the other, Britain and France placed trade restrictions on the United States. For example, Britain passed the Orders of Council. The orders stated that neutral countries, such as the United States, had to obtain a trading license from the government to trade with France or its allies. The United States found this illegal under international law.

"Whereas it is expedient to permit the goods, wares, and merchandise, being of the growth, produce, and manufacture of the United States of America, to be imported directly from thence into Great Britain, in British or American ships or vessels, subject to such duties only as are payable on the like commodities when imported from other foreign countries; ...may be lawful for any person or persons to import into Great Britain directly from any of the territories of the United States of America, in British built ships or vessels, owned, navigated and registered according to law, or in ships or vessels built in countries belonging to the United States of America or any of them, or in ships or vessels taken by any of the ships or vessels of war belonging to the Government or any of the inhabitants of the said United States, and condemned as lawful prize in any Court of Admiralty of the said United States, of which condemnation proof shall be given to the commissioners of His Majesty's customs, or any four or more of them, and whereof the master and three-fourths of the mariners at least are subjects of the United States, any goods, wares, or merchandise, the growth, production, and manufacture of the said United States, which are not prohibited by law to be imported from foreign countries, and to enter and land such goods, wares, and merchandise, upon payment of the duties, and subject to the conditions and regulations hereinafter mentioned; any law, custom, or usage to the contrary in anywise notwithstanding."

The strain on US and British relations grew significantly more tense after the discovery of the British practicing impressement on American sailors. The British further infuriated the United States government when the British began to encourage revolts and lend aid to Native Americans. These acts, in addition to USS Chesapeake being attacked by British warship Leopard near Virginia's shore, forced the United States to declare war on Britain.

Analytic Description

The orders demonstrate the growing tensions between United States and Britain. American citizens and the American government believed that Britain was trying retake control of the newly created United States; Britain "stepped out of their bounds" by attempting to place restrictions on American trade.

Declaration of War

Analytical Description

President James Madison and the "War Hawks", or supporters of the war in Congress, fought aggressively to let the United States enter the war with Britain. After the United States received information that American sailors were impressed and the USS Chesapeake was attacked, congress quickly approved of the President's request to go to war. The declaration greatly emphasizes on navy, trade, and maritime activities with Great Britain. The majority of the war was fought in the Atlantic Ocean and along the eastern coast of the United States

British Victory

The British captured other forts by "fort hopping" (similar to island hopping in WWII) in the mid-west by coming through Canada. Once the forts were captured in the west, the British navy attacked the east coast and captured many major ports, including Boston and New Orleans. Then, the British delivered one last final blow by burning down the White House. James Madison was executed in a public execution in Washington, D.C. to kill the United States citizens' symbol of liberty.

Treaty of Ghent, 1814

"His Britannic majesty terminates the war between himself and the United States on the grounds that the United States succumbs to the power and control of his Britannic majesty. The United States of America must abolish its government along with army and navy..."

The Turning Point of the War

Scholarly Article

The Siege of Fort Meigs could be considered the turning point of the War of 1812. The British militia combined with Canadian and Native American forces to attack a newly built Ohio fort: Fort Meigs. The siege lasted little over a week, resulting in casualties on both sides. However, unlike previous fort attacks, the Americans held the fort, forcing the British troops to retreat.

The War of 1812 is one of the most misunderstood and least known war the United States fought. In an survey, only 3% of American citizens believed t shaped our history and 36% stated that there was no significant outcome from the war. One main reason that Americans believe it to be insignificant is because very few know why it was fought.

Historians debate on whether the battles were successful and if the overall war was beneficial to our nation. Despite the debates, there is no debate that the war gave us two of our most prized symbols of liberty: the Star-Spangled Banner and our national anthem.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/the-war-of-1812-still-seeking-a-little-respect/2012/06/07/gJQAblrwLV_story.html

The New Colonies

However, what would have happened if the British had seized Fort Meigs and ultimately won the war by conquering other forts in the United States?

The British established military zones throughout the whole of the former United States; the zones were put in place to enforce British laws and to prevent any further rebellions. The former states were transformed back into colonies and were given limited representation in Parliament as a punishment for the two wars. The British also gave land and voting rights to Native Americans as their reward for aiding them in the war.

The British Empire, 1814

Present Day

2014: The United States is now the United Colonies of Britain. The "colonists" are ruled by strict governors in each state and have gained representation in Parliament (about 35%). The United Colonies are primarily harvested for raw goods for Britain. Also, trading is limited to Britain and its allies.

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