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War Of 1812 Dbq Essay

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Throughout history, the United States has encountered conflicts with numerous foreign nations in order to retain their autonomy. For instance, during the American Revolution, the American colonists revolted against British rule in England and acquired their independence, after being profoundly taxed and having to conform to a myriad of unfair laws because Britain’s war debt from the French and Indian War. Likewise, during the War of 1812, the United States was required to enter a war with Great Britain once again, as a result of French and British conflicts. Although, the United States initially preferred in maintaining their position of neutrality, the strong and antagonistic British caused numerous tribulations for America, as the U.S. army …show more content…

Although, many individuals consider the War of 1812 to be a battle between America and the Great Britain, it initially began as a result of the conflict between France and Great Britain for world domination from 1993 to 1815. During this time, America’s economy prospered as the issues within Europe negatively impacted trade. However, this struggle for power ultimately encompassed the United States as well. For example, Donald Hickey states, “But it wasn’t long before the British and French, who wanted to deny each other the benefits of American trade and resented the young republic’s rising prosperity, began using flimsy excuses to seize American ships as prizes of war” (Hickey). Hickey demonstrates that the French and British were the central cause for the involvement of the U.S., although, the aggressive actions of Britain primarily caused the War of 1812. As Hickey states, “its government issued a series of decrees that restricted U.S. trade with France and the rest of Europe. At the same time, the Royal Navy stepped up its practice of impressment: forcibly taking sailors from American merchant vessels to serve on its own undermanned warships…They were subjugated to all the harsh discipline,

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