AP Success - AP US History: Debate Before War of 1812
Congress debates going to war in 1811.
Over and above these unjust pretensions of the British Government, for many years past, they have been in the practice of impressing our seamen, from merchant vessels; this unjust and lawless invasion of personal liberty, calls loudly for the interposition of this Government... Although others may not strongly feel the bearing, which the late transactions in that quarter have on this subject, upon my mind they have great influence... They understand too well their own weakness, and our strength... How, then, sir, are we to account for their late conduct? In one way only; some powerful nation must have intrigued with them, and turned their peaceful disposition towards us into hostilities. Great Britain alone has intercourse with those Northern tribes; I therefore infer, that if British gold has not been employed, their baubles and trinkets, and the promise of support and a place of refuge if necessary, have had their effect... This war, if carried on successfully, will have its advantages. We shall drive the British from our Continent – they will no longer have an opportunity of intriguing with our Indian neighbors, and setting on the ruthless savage to tomahawk our women and children….
Congress Debates Going to War, 1811. Annals of Congress, 12th Cong., 1st sess., 425-427.
Question 1
Briefly identify one historical trend or event that influenced the writing of the excerpt.
Question 2
Briefly identify one goal of the United States declaring war as expressed in the excerpt.
Question 3
Briefly explain one way the War of 1812 impacted Native Americans.
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