Digital History
Digital History: Jeffersonians in Office [Pdf]
This is a great overview of both the Jefferson Administration and the Madison administration. Read about the Louisiana Purchase, trade problems, the War of 1812, and the downfall of the Federalists. A great resource. [pdf]
US National Archives
Nara: Prologue Magazine: War of 1812: Stoking the Fires
According to this very interesting article, it seems that the United States was just as culpable as Great Britain when it came to impressing sailors to serve on their ships. Read about the story of Charles Davis, a British citizen, who...
Digital History
Digital History: Neutrality and the Jay Treaty [Pdf]
See why a war between Great Britain and France showed the vulnerablity of the new United States. Should the United States help France, after that country gave so much in the Revolutionary War, and risk the economic and military enmity of...
Digital History
Digital History: Economic and Foreign Policy Problems
The new American nation in the Confederation Era faced a host of economic and foreign policy problems. Read about the problems and why they were so serious.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Historic Germantown: James Barron
A brief account of the encounter between the USS Chesapeake and the HMS Leopard. This page also explains Commodore James Barron's court martial after the incident with the Leopard.
Other
Age of Jefferson and Jackson: Chronology of the War of 1812
A chronology of events that occurred in Jefferson's administration as well as Madison's the resulted in the War of 1812.
Digital History
Digital History: The Eagle, the Tiger, and the Shark
A very brief discussion about how Napoleon's exploits in Europe affected American shipping and American sailors.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Diplomatic Challenges in an Age of European War
Both the British and French challenged American sovereignty and neutrality on the high seas. Read about the solution favored by Thomas Jefferson, but despised by the American shippers. See why this a cause of the War of 1812, along with...