The War of 1812

What is most often cited as the reason for the War of 1812?

• Impressment of American sailors by the British navy.

• Conflicts on the western frontier with Native Americans supported by the British.

• Jefferson's Embargo of European powers.

• The secession of New England over its relationship with the British.

Answer explanation

The War of 1812 was primarily caused by the impressment of American sailors by the British navy. This was a practice where the British navy would force American sailors into their service. The other options, such as conflicts with Native Americans or Jefferson's Embargo, were contributing factors but not the main cause. The secession of New England is incorrect as it did not happen during this time.

What were the members of Madison's political party, who were pressing for war, known as?

• War Hawks

• Warmongers

• Patriots

• Tea Partiers

Answer explanation

The members of James Madison's political party who were pressing for war were known as 'War Hawks'. This term referred to the faction of the Democratic-Republican Party that was aggressively advocating for war with Britain in the early 19th century.

Who were the two most famous War Hawks during this time?

• Henry Clay

• John C. Calhoun

• James Monroe

• John Marshall

Answer explanation

The two most famous War Hawks during this time were Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun. They were highly influential figures in pushing for war with Britain in the period leading up to the War of 1812. Their aggressive stance on this issue earned them the moniker 'War Hawks'. James Monroe and John Marshall, although important figures at the time, were not known as War Hawks.

Which British territory was targeted for U.S. expansion because it was believed that British agents from this region were supplying Native Americans with firearms?

• Canada

• The Oregon Territory

• Louisiana Territory

• New Spain

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Canada. This was because during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the U.S. believed British agents in Canada were supplying Native Americans with firearms. This belief fueled the American desire to expand their territory into Canada, as they felt this move would help neutralize the perceived threat.

Which militant Native American leader tried to unite the Native Americans against the ever-expanding U.S.?

• Tecumseh

• Pontiac

• The Red Sticks

• Tenskwatawa

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Tecumseh. Tecumseh was a Native American leader of the Shawnee who became the primary leader of a large, multi-tribal confederacy in the early 19th century. He sought to unite the Native American tribes to resist the expansion of the U.S. His efforts, however, were not successful and he was killed in the War of 1812.

Which general's victory at Tippecanoe against the Native Americans at Prophetstown helped propel him to the Presidency in 1840?

• William Henry Harrison

• William Harrison

• Andrew Jackson

• James Monroe

Answer explanation

The victory at Tippecanoe against the Native Americans at Prophetstown was won by William Henry Harrison. This significant victory greatly helped him in his campaign and subsequently led to his presidency in 1840. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is William Henry Harrison.

Which region of the U.S. was not in favor of the War of 1812 as they had strong economic ties to Britain?

• The Northeast (New England)

• The Southwest (Slave holding states)

• The Western Frontier (Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee)

• None of the above

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'The Northeast (New England)'. During the time of the War of 1812, the Northeast region of the U.S., particularly New England, had strong economic ties to Britain. Their economic interests were primarily in trade, and the war disrupted these interests. Therefore, they were not in favor of the war.

What conflict distracted the British at the beginning of the War of 1812?

• The Napoleonic Wars

• The Seven Years War

• The French & Indian War

• The Mughal Wars of Succession

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'The Napoleonic Wars'. At the beginning of the War of 1812, Britain was primarily occupied with the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. This conflict significantly distracted the British, hindering their ability to focus fully on the War of 1812.

Which campaign was a resounding failure in the War of 1812?

• The Canadian Campaign

• The Atlantic Campaign

• The Western Frontier

• The Southern Campaign in Florida

Answer explanation

The Canadian Campaign was a resounding failure in the War of 1812. This campaign was a part of the American strategy to invade and conquer Canada but it ended abruptly due to multiple reasons such as poor planning, lack of supplies, and resistance by the British and Native allies.

Which U.S. city was captured and burned in a major British victory?

• Washington D.C.

• Baltimore

• New York

• Charleston