The War of 1812

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Why was the War of 1812 a turning point for the early United States?

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The War of 1812 marked a turning point for the early United States due to key naval victories and strategic defense successes. American morale surged with victories such as the control of Lake Erie and the defense of Fort McHenry, inspiring national pride symbolized by "The Star-Spangled Banner." The failed British siege of Fort Meigs further boosted American confidence, leading to more successes and solidifying U.S. sovereignty over western territories.

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The series of American naval victories in 1813 beginning with the Constitution and United States had the capacity to boost American morale, the shift in the American mindset had such an impact, that although indirect allowed the United States to turn the tide of the war.  It is in this year that a famous battle cry would be born.  "Don't give up the ship" was the rally that the Americans needed to secure the American ship Chesapeake from hands of the British. One key to the turning point of the war occurred when the United States gained control of Lake Erie.  This waterway was the super highway of the day, without this military holding the Americans would never have been able to gain the footholds they would need to foster their resolve.  THE turning point...Baltimore, 1814.  Fort McHenry held it's ground, and the British were forced south.  Perhaps the best reminder of this turning point are the...

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lyrics to the United States' national anthem.  Francis Scott Key witnessed this crucial moment in history and penned the words that continue to remind us that steadfastness and faith are cruical elements in the American experience.

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In the War of 1812, the Americans and the British were fighting over which country would control the western territory.  The war began with many British victories, as they captured Fort Mackinac and Fort Detroit in the Michigan Territory and Fort Dearborn in the Illinois Territory.  General William Henry Harrison established a fort on the south side of the Maumee River on February 2, 1813, and named it for the Governor of Ohio, Jonathon Meigs. 

The fort would serve as an important player in the way.  It was home to more than 2,000 U.S. armymen and militia.  Although the British laid siege to the fort on May 1, 1813, it was not captured like other forts.  Harrison and his troops were prepared, and withstood the British attack for four days, at which point a troop of Kentucky militia arrived to help.  The siege lasted a total of 9 days, and then the British soldiers gave up and returned to Canada.  This failure, the first significant one for the British, is what marked the turning point.  It gave the Americans new hope, and was the start of more victories, including another attack on this particular fort. 

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