The Negative Effects Of The War Hawks

In 1793, Europe went into the war against revolutionary France, whereas “the United States had been the world’s primary neutral shipper” (Heidler 1). However, it did not last for long. As Americans provided the trade of sugar and coffee from the France to Europe, it created two issues: the trade lowered the price of sugar and coffee from Britain’s colonies; and the trade provided Napoleon with supplies (Boyer 232). Such conduct interfered with the Anglo-American relationship and created inconveniences for Britain. Consequently, Britain issued orders in Council, which regarded any trade with France and the countries of her control as illegal (Boyer 232). However, a counterattack from Napoleon would not take much time. Soon he responded with

Originating mainly from South and West, “the leaders of the War Hawks were young men who had been raised on the traditions of the War of Independence” (Horsmann 226). These men needed more radical actions and preferred aggressive war than peace solutions. Furthermore, the War Hawks saw Britain as an opponent whose policies had a negative impact on the economy of the regions (Boyer 235). They quickly gained popularity and one of them, Henry Clay of Kentucky, “on his first day as a representative was elected speaker of the House on the first ballot” (Horsman 226). Henry Clay was a leader of the War Hawks and they collectively opposed the views of President James Madison towards the present situation of the country. The War Hawks saw a need of war with the Great Britain to defend American honor and secure maritime interests (Horsman

The War Hawks felt “the dominating urge of the West to take Canada and subdue the Indians (Horsman 229). As the British were seriously recruiting Indians in Canada to stop American settlements, quick methods had to be introduced. In contrast to the War Hawks, Madison believed that the white and Indians could peacefully dwell in these regions if the latter agree on some compromises. The white population continued to grow and displaced the possibilities of Indians for hunting. William Henry Harrison, the governor of Indiana Territory, guided by the interests of his lands deceived and made an agreement with some half-starved Indians none of whom lived on the region for which they negotiated. The Treaty of Fort Wayne was signed. It forced the Indians to give up millions of acres at an unbelievable low price (Boyer 235). Such negotiation outraged Indians, and especially Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa who were the leaders of the tribes dwelling in that territory and who encouraged the natives to fight for their land. This war drove many Indians into British camp and the hate of Britain increased among Americans. Britain equipped Indians with their weapon which escalated the new conflict and worsen relations between two countries (Hickey