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America on the World Stage

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller

8 min read

Study Guide Overview

This AP US History study guide covers the Road to the War of 1812 (impressment, Chesapeake Affair, Embargo Act), the War of 1812 itself (causes, key battles, Treaty of Ghent), the Hartford Convention, the Monroe Doctrine, and Native American Removal (Indian Removal Act, Trail of Tears, Worcester v. Georgia). It includes practice questions and focuses on key events, figures, and the impact of policies leading to westward expansion.

AP US History Study Guide: Road to War, Expansion, and Native American Removal

Hey there, future AP US History master! This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for a quick but thorough review. Let's make sure you're feeling confident and ready to crush this exam! 🚀

1. The Road to the War of 1812

1.1. Tensions Rise: Impressment and Trade Conflicts

  • Impressment: 🚢 British navy seized American sailors and forced them into service. This was a HUGE violation of American neutrality and sovereignty.
  • Orders in Council: 🚫 Britain blocked neutral ships from trading with France, and France retaliated by seizing ships trading with Britain. This put American ships in a tough spot, violating the US's free trade rights.
  • Napoleonic Wars: ⚔️ These European wars created the backdrop for American struggles with Britain and France. Both countries were desperate for resources and control.
Key Concept

The core issue was the violation of American neutrality and free trade rights by both Britain and France, leading to significant economic and political tensions.

1.2. The Chesapeake Affair and "Peaceful Coercion"

  • Chesapeake Affair (1807): 💥 British warship Leopard attacked the American warship Chesapeake, killing and impressing American sailors. This incident fueled anti-British sentiment.

    Chesapeake Affair Caption: The attack on the USS Chesapeake by the HMS Leopard, a key event leading to the War of 1812.

  • Jefferson's Response: 🕊️ Instead of war, Jefferson pursued "peaceful coercion" with the Embargo Act.

  • Embargo Act (1807): ⛔ Prohibited all American overseas trade, aiming to pressure Britain and France. It backfired, devastating the American economy and hurting New England shipbuilders. The British easily found new trade partners.

Memory Aid

Think of the Embargo Act as a self-inflicted wound. It was meant to hurt Britain and France but ended up hurting the US more!

Exam Tip

Remember the sequence: Impressment → Chesapeake Affair → Embargo Act. It’s a classic cause-and-effect chain for the exam!

2. The War of 1812

2.1. Causes of the War

  • Impressment and Trade: 🚢 Continued British impressment and trade restrictions were major triggers.
  • Western Frontier Pressures: 🏞️ British were accused of arming Native Americans and e...
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Question 1 of 14

What was the practice of 'impressment' that angered many Americans before the War of 1812? ⚓

The British policy of taxing American goods

The French navy seizing American ships

The British navy forcing American sailors into service

The American practice of recruiting British sailors