Jefferson Kills the Bank of the United States

1811

USA

During the first eight years of its operation The Bank of the United States operated conservatively and made few loans. A bill was put forth in Congress to renew the Banks charter. The Legislators of Pennsylvania and Virginia passed Resolutions asking congress to veto the bill. The largest complaint was that 70 percent of the bank's stock was held by foreign interests, which would have sent millions in specie overseas had the charter been renewed. That fact, plus opposition from the state banks and agrarians as well as the question of the bank's constitutionality, allowed Jefferson (who was not a big fan of the bank) to refuse to renew the Charter of the Bank of the United States., and the bank ceased operations.

1812

England and USA

Official version

On June 12, the US declared war on the United Kingdom. The US believed that its rights as a neutral power were being violated by both Britain and France. The US also resented the superior naval strength and the boarding of US merchant ships by the British navy. The "War-Hawks" in the US demanded that the US invade British controlled Canada. Several attempts failed and resulted in Britain blockading the US coast. In 1814 Britain launched and invasion to gain new land. The British also burned much of Washington D.C., including the President's residence. A total of 2,260 US soldiers died in the conflict.

Unofficial version

England brought on the war because of Jefferson's refusal to renew the Bank of the United States charter.

Spanish Florida

President Madison and Congress authorized temporary possession of Amelia Island in Spanish Territory, East Florida. General Matthews gathers a band of mercenaries at St. Marys, Georgia and invaded the island, capturing the port of Fernandina. Upon their arrival they read a manifesto and raised a flag with the Latin inscription, "The Safety of the People, The supreme Law". Madison later disavowed the action.

1813

Polynesia

The US captured three ships from the British and built a fort on Nuka Hiva to protect them.

Spanish Florida

In April General Wilkinson seized Mobil Bay in Spanish territory, West Florida. A small Spanish garrison was overwhelmed and surrendered without a fight.

USA

John Spencer Morgan was born in West Springfield, Mass.

1814

Spanish Florida

General Andrew Jackson drove out the British from Pensacola in Spanish Territory, Florida.

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