The War of 1812
For the War
Side Score: 36
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Against the War
Side Score: 18
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4
points
(1)America already exists in a state of war with Great Britain; a fact that must be self-evident to any merchant who plies the high seas. Has he not been afrighted these past years of the high-handed actions by British seamen of unlawful impressment and confiscation of your goods? Need anyone really remind you of these grievous crimes by the British Majesty against our commerce? They have, in short, since our lauded break with their crown, treated us not as a fledgling nation and a friend to be nurtured, but rather a rebellious trial to be ignored and put down ‘til such time as he shall come round. I ask you, is this any way for the great nation of America to be treated by any country, however mighty? (2)In numbers and growth, we have fast outpaced the stagnant Old Lady, and our armies are ready at a moment’s notice to protect our lands and take from Her that which should be ours, while theirs languish in far scattered corners of Europe, weighted down with commands and battles far exceeding their true reach. As if that were not enough, what of our brave pioneer men expanding our great frontiers to the West? They have their share of tribulations, and many of them are the product of our continued half-sided intercourse with the Crown(3). The ruthless indian tribes along our vast far Western border have yet an outdated alliegance to England, and as emissaries of their rulers in exile ruthlessly punish those who venture into what was once British territory. They need to be shown, once and for always, that they shall no longer deal with Britain, for they are in our land now, and must deal with us. Thusly, our reasons for going to war are twofold, and unimpeachable. Our peace, which we have preserved as long as humanly possible by suffering while evils are sufferable has been repeatedly and violently broken by the evils of the British Empire. (4)It is our duty, then, to take up arms against a sea of troubles, in order to inform our British brethren that we will not be subdued by their unlawful punishments, we will not fade quietly into the night. We shall strike, and all those who stand against out fair and impressed cause shall feel our wrath. Side: For the War
2
points
We must go to war with Britain if we want to become; and be recognized, as a great nation as is the will of God(1). We cannot succeed with our borders being encroached upon from all sides (2), and our means of revenue dampened by The British Navy (3). Every American ship at sea is at risk of being seized by Britain. To let this continue is to, in all matters, submit to the all powerful Britain. Without opposition Britain will continue to harry us at every chance and even become more bold in there endeavors. The rights of Americans as free men are being trampled. The very things we fought for in our war for independence have begun again. By controlling the sea Britain has severely restricted our trade. We are losing money at an unimaginable rate. We must fight back like we have before to regain our freedoms. Also there is the ever present threat of the savage Indians to the west. There is no doubt that Britain is inciting them to attack our forts and frontiers. The longer we let this abomination continue the more we shall suffer. The only way to fulfill our destiny is to fight back and show the world the what the wrath of America feels like. Side: For the War
1
point
Why fight just to show how strong you are? That seems like fighting for no reason but to fight. It is the same as when Britain tried to fight us in the Revolutionary War; they lost because they did not fight with a cause. So why enter a war when history dictates that there is a higher probability that we are bound to lose? Plus, the statement you made referring to the Indians as "Savages" is the real reason why they are fighting us, they are treated poorly so as the old saying goes, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". Side: Against the War
1
point
You say there is no cause in fighting to show our strength? I say there is every cause in the world. Just two score years hence, our nation languished and stagnated under the oppressive rule of Britain. In our fight for independence from Her tyranny, we received much aid from the monarchical yet liberty-loving State of France. It was with the Glory of God we won, but also the Glory of France. Britain sensed this, and knew we were weak. She has henceforth conducted Herself as if we were not the great and rising nation we know ourselves to be, but merely a weak semi-independent colony, to be snatched back up whenever the affairs of Europe should allow. But the times have changed since our great Revolution. Our population has trebled, the expanse of our land has more than doubled. It is now even more laughable than it was in 1780 that Britain should have any hold over our nation. We can see this, and most of the world might agree, but Britain must be taught. They and their Indian cohorts must be shown that we are a growing nation and a force to be reckoned with. But in times of peace, my friend, we must assure them and you that we shall hold Britain and the Indians not as enemies and savages, but friendly and mutually beneficial trading partners and respected populations on equal footing with our most valuable citizens. These are the principles that America was created on. Are not all men created equal? Side: For the War
1
point
0
points
dispute to argument 1. We will not become a great nation if our nation is not united at the end of the war. This war will tear our country apart, due to economic difficulties. The Northwestern states do not support this war because it will ruin their economy and standard of living. The northwest depends on the trade of other states with them in order to survive. In times of war trading with other countries will be limited. Side: Against the War
Britain must be attacked, due to the grievances that have hence forth been set upon us, 1. including impressment of our naval brethren, 2. the constant pushing by British forts at our borders, 3. and the fact that we can not, nor will not, deny the peoples cries for war! Who are we, so lowly of a country, to obey, to bow down to the british gangs, collecting our sailors, our captains, all of our brave men aboard our ships? Those of you who say so boldly that it is a mere "inconvenience", that we need not retaliate against Britain, that we should be throwing up our arms with his majesty and the royal crown, should be cast aside and stricken by God himself! Our countries backbone is not, and should not, be that of a coward and a weakling, but rather that of an immaculate soldier, ready to force his way to justice, and to the rights of his country. If our Sailors are continually taken, we must also acquire new ones, spending more money on training then we ought fully should. We will not have a winning navy in this great world unless we fight against the tyranny! We will not allow the evil of Britain to press on our borders, to steal our commerce through unlawful actions, nor to acquire the aid of the Indian savages in the west. We are wrongfully attacked, and refused our right to spread out through this great open expanse, having our families killed and murdered by savages and their hateful redcoat allies. We shall unite, and unleash a great force, to completely wipe away the dark smudge against this land that is the British. The people demand that we fight! We must not deny the rights of our citizens, for the fear that they will strip away our own government one by one, and give into anarchy. Give them what they want, for it is the right thing to do. I will say once more, that our country is filled not with the weak and pathetic prowess of the federalists, but that of a nation born into action, and strength against the odds. We shall wage war against the British, and continue to, until every last one of their red coats are out of our land and our country that we so proudly call the United States of America! Side: For the War
There is no deny, Britain has overstepped their boundaries, but if we go in on a rampage of revenge and pride, how are we any better? Our constitution does not promote forceful acquiring of land. Is it no different, attacking on land, as the British are on seas, if so, how do the colonies justify attacking Canada and Indian territories. In addition, if the citizens as a whole have a strong portion against the war, why drag those innocent citizens into violence. As for our government, the expansion of Republican into new land in the west would only cause a greater unbalance of our political parties, causing more issues in our country than needed. Side: Against the War
Britain is forcing our hand to war. Our forefathers would not stand for this injustice we have been dealt and neither shall we. We no longer will allow Britain to impress our sailors(1) and block our trading(2). If we do not go to war, Indians will continue to attack settlers on the frontier(3). Britain is trying to take our land, sailors, and trading rights. If we don't stop them, what's next? Side: For the War
1
point
While the impressment of sailors is disliked by the majority, it is not a call to war. A solution to this problem could be increased policing of the seas, and harsher consequences for impressment. Britain did not intend to block our ports because they relied on our materials to support their war effort, our leaders set an embargo to avoid being partial to France or Britain. Also our leaders may set aside prejudices in order to better our country and improve relations with the Indians, since the Indians sided with Britain because they were treated better. War is not the answer to these minor problems, legislation and improve foreign policies will be a better force of change. Side: Against the War
So if your brothers and family had been taken away, and forced into unrightful slavery, all you would do is merely give the captors a stern wag of the finger? And how, by chance, would you deliver your "harsher consequences", or "Police" the waters, when you have no navy at all? All due to the constant impressemnent, that will not stop just because you told the captors to. Has the royal crown ever listened to the Americans peace cries, or compromises in the past? No? Then why would they now? Force is the only resolution to these horrors inflicted by the British.This is why we must go to war, as urgently as possible, while we still have a navy to use. Side: For the War
While idea of increasing the policing of our seas and harsher consequences for impressment might seem sound, in practice it could never be done. The British have far more ships than we do, and their navy is highly trained. Furthermore, how would we go about enforcing harsher consequences? Britain is not a petulant child, we cannot simply slap her on the wrist and send her to bed without supper. We cannot make right the wrongs they have committed against us, but we can endeavor to prevent them from doing so in the future by going to war and gaining victory, while regaining our pride. Side: For the War
(2) Britain did not cause the issues of our trading, our own government did. The Republicans approached the Embargo Act with the "intentions" of keeping us out of the war. But in reality that has fueled the desire to enter the war. Our economy is hurt, and now they are blaming British forces, but if we had not put the embargo on ourselves bad trade relations would not have developed. Could the Republicans have foreseen these poor relations and took the opportunity to enter war, allowing a reason to seize land that would add larger numbers to their party? Side: Against the War
Britain did have a hand in our trading issues. Although, we really hurt ourselves with The Embargo Act, trying to stay neutral. Britain issued the Orders in Council before this that tried to hurt France by hitting Americans. By staying neutral to trading we are a punching bag to Britain and France trying to hurt each other. Side: For the War
1
point
The will of the people is spoken, and it is ours. We, the people of these United States of America, do hereby find the country of Great Britain guilty of the following unlawful and perjured crimes against the objectively neutral and unaggressive America - For the seizing of our ships, impressment of our sailors in a fashion irreconcilable with a state of peace between these two great nations; For the arbitrarily blocking of our independent commerce; for harassment of our noble merchant vessels both in the waters of Britain and yea, even in the waters of our very hometowns; for the jealous and inhumane blockade acts the Parliament of Great Britain has passed, inveigling from our seas the very unalienable rights we have fought them these two score years hence to have as out own; For the incitement of violent uprisings by local tribes of warlike Indians on our under-settled western border; a war which knows no bounds of decency, spares no woman or child, earning the rightful moniker of 'savage'; For exacting upon us, in short, acts which by no means can be construed of the friendly actions of a trading partner and neutral ally to a peaceful nation, but which must instead be construed as hostile punishments for grievous crimes these United States have never committed against our British brethren. What we find of this is a state of war against the United States in Britain, and a state of peace toward Britain within the United States. I submit to this independent congress of the people that we have languished too long under these usurpations; too long have we stood idly by and watched the might of our great and rising nation sapped away by this menace, this sword a hair's breadth from falling with deadly force upon all our heads. Let us no longer let these abominations continue unchecked; let it not be said that the people of America in 1812 let the hard-earned liberties our fathers stole from the mightiest empire on earth be stolen back by that same evil empire without protesting justly, as is our right. Under our prerogative as a free nation of the world, let us declare henceforth a state of war between these States and Britain, and let us take up arms to preserve our liberty, our commerce, our justice. Let us show the world that we are what we already know ourselves to be; a virtuous, a free, and a powerful nation. Side: For the War
We must go to war with Britain. It is inevitable, and necessary to the good of our people because (1) we must prove that we are a country. We are being treated as though we are small and insignificant, and that is not the case. Furthermore, (2) Britain ceaselessly attacks us in insidious manners, such as the impressment of our sailors. Also, (3) by proving our strength through battle, we will not only prove to Britain that we are not to be disregarded, we will be proving it to the rest of the world. Side: For the War
In conclusion, we must go to war. To regain our pride, our honor, and our standing in the world. But first and foremost, to uphold the image we have created for ourselves as men of honor who will not be treated as children. Our treatment from the British has been unfair at best and downright corrupt and deceitful at times. We are our own country, and the time has come to yet again prove to Britain that they need not meddle in our affairs. We, as a country, have received innumerable grievances as a result of our involvement with Britain. Also, Britain has sought alliances with us. Did the not our first, great president say to avoid "entangling alliances"? That is what we must do. And the way to be certain that we are doing so is to go to war and prove that our independence is not a result of pure luck, but of our moral fiber and the blood, sweat and tears of our forefathers. They gave of themselves, and in some cases, their very lives that we might know freedom. Should we not honor their sacrifice by remaining free? At the first opportunity, Britain will endeavor to force us to submit to them again. We will not allow them to coerce us. We will be free. We must go to war. Side: For the War
1
point
Our country has not been treated with respect or fairly since our early days. Even with our independence, Britain is trying to control us with things such as impressment. We must declare war with Britain to show our independence and gain respect as a country, and to show the true strength and greatness of our country (1). Our country cannot succeed with all our borders being encroached (2), and we cannot let Britain control any source of revenue, which will hurt our economy, and the country as a whole (3). Side: For the War
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1
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We are weary, and in serious condition of approaching poverty; the Merchants of New England believe that war is not inevitable, but rather a choice which the Legislature has hastily considered. If choosing war, which would be a decision out of fear and anger, then an embargo will be forcefully placed on us (1). This embargo has serious consequences that could sever entire relations with New England and the rest of the United States, this would result in a weak state that is more susceptible to defeat (2). Another effect of war would be the economy and the growing manufacturing would be slowed and devastated (3). New England is known for their spirit, and as history has shown that if the spirit has been oppressed, there could be serious consequences too. Side: Against the War
1) Trade with Britain is severed already. In 1806 when London issued the Orders of Council, war has been inevitable. Let us not forget the Chesapeake Affair. Not going to war doesn't stop Britain from killing our trading relations, it only keeps us from defending ourselves. Side: For the War
1
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The southern and western Republicans don't feel the implications of the war like the New Englanders do. They say our trade is in danger, but in reality, the New Englanders are being attacked, not Southern Republicans. Fighting a war would hurt us even more! If we are forced into a war with a broken arm, how are we supposed to fire our weapons. Funding will be impossible, and if forced to, it could be the cause of a split of our nation. With such a vast group against the war, we cannot expect to enter with a sense of unity and pride. Side: Against the War
0
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Your remark implies that the inhabitants of New England hold monopoly on America's trade, and that the South and the West are ignorant of the tribulations of the colonies New England faces in trade. Nothing could be further from the truth. For tonnes of exports pour forth daily from the agricultural South, and they too have been grievously injured by the embargoes levied by the federalist mindset in order that America stay neutral. Would you really rather an America where we fight for our rights as free men and equal partners, or an America where we hide ourselves from the other powers of the world less they deem us traitorous in trading with an enemy and brand us with cruel and unusual punishments, such as the impressment of our seamen we have already experienced? Funding will always be possible in a united country where the people of America work together to protect their hard-won freedoms from the tyrannies of European giants who can know nothing of us, and should by all rights have nothing to do with us. Our weapons will fire, and their shots shall be heard round the world, and all shall say, "There it is, the sound of Liberty!" Side: For the War
As a newspaper editor I see the whole story of things, I have people of every side coming to me, and I know what the majority wants. New Englanders do not see the need for this war, if anything it is feared, and thought of as a disease to our grand nations growth. (1) War shall destroy our countries promising future as leader in the merchant world. (2) As a country, war is a lost cause unless backed by the majority. If half the country is against, there is not a war at hand with the enemy, but a divorce waiting to be signed at the home frontier. (3) It is becoming evident that the reasons of war named by the Republican party, could be peacefully avoided, so the main cause of their push is not for our nations benefits but for their party's expansion. Side: Against the War
1
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(1) The future of our trade has long rested in a state of compromise. The embargoes we have placed on Great Britain have been an ineffective strategy to show them our willingness to dedicate ourselves to our trade relations, and have hurt us far more than them. To impress upon Britain the seriousness of our intent to become a giant through peaceful trade, we must use force to show them that we will not submit to their tyranny. What would the merchants of New England have us do? Roll over like dogs when we are kicked, and suffer more abuse for't? And as for (3), peace has been tried, and it has failed to lend us the respect we deserve. Remember the Chesapeake! Side: For the War
1
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Going to war with Britain would devastate America's economy. (1) War shall disrupt trade with other countries, therefore causing American great disstress. The Northwestern states would be cut off and their future success disrupted. New England, is becoming inferior to the southern states, their manufacturing and spirit will fade. This war is not favored by the entire country. (2) New England will fail if this war is allowed to continue. If the country as a whole does not support the war, we will be torn apart as a country at the hands of the British. Side: Against the War
2
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You regarding us as "you New Englanders" is a perfect example of how sectionalism has increased. And how has it increased? It has happened when a region or group has decided to make the decision of the greater good of the United States without the country's consent, I think that this is what tears the country apart. First the rights of our country was based on what the people (the entire popultaion) wanted and that gave the government its power. Second, the British injuries to America could be argued that they actually caused a call for unity and support in Nationalism, similar to the time leading up to and through the Revolutionary War. Side: Against the War
War with the British is the only way we will stay their hand from our economy and lives! If we do not act against them, then how can we say we are an able government willing to control itself and its people? Our trade was hindered by the Embargo act, yet we as a country survived through it, and industrialized ourselves, taking away reliance on foreign money. We will only thrive now if we force the British away. This war will unify our country and push us to a common good, and usher in a new era for us all. Side: For the War
If everyone would unite behind these principles, our country would be far more stable and prosperous. We, as a country, need not be dependent on other countries for survival. We can fully stand on our own and be better off for it. We are capable of creating our own goods and growing our own crops without British intervention. In addition to that, going to war will not mean that we are unable to trade in the future. Side: For the War
I stay strong with my opinion of peace and not war, and I know as a member of the newspaper the public opinion, echoes my own. War will only devastate our economy and ruin any chance of being neutral with trade in the future. In addition the Republicans seem more worried on how the war will expand their state power versus how it helps our nation. This is unacceptable. Finally, our nation was ready to fight for our independence, if the whole nation is not ready to fight a war, as it is now, we should not run full speed into a field of quick sand. Side: Against the War
1
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CLOSING STATEMENT: After much discussion, I still firmly believe that war is not inevitable. Many preventative measures can be taken, for example increased participation of France and Great Britain in our Foreign Policy. Conversations with the diplomatic ambassadors and the leaders is a safer alternative for peace instead of sending loved ones into battle against, arguably the greatest world power, Great Britain. Why spend so much money and causing a possible financial crisis, and even more important which is the debt of life from the men who would be fighting a war with no purpose. I also see the faults in our own government, the most notable is the embargo. This hated embargo crippled a significant section of the United States, and the ripple-effect from this embargo streched further than any politician might imagine. This is evident in the retalliation of the British to place a blockade to prevent any further trade or travel So, the government had good intentions, but lacked foresight and ended up hurting themselves more than France and Great Britain. Finally, could anyone offer several reasons for war to be the only way to settle disputes between the United States, Britain, and France? Yes, impressment of American sailors is terrible at worst, considering it could be a form of slavery. But consider how the British and Americans conducted themselves after the Boston Massacre; lives were lost when tempers of soldiers and colonists erupted, but after the fog lifted on the entire event, both parties involved took their case to court. Anyone could offer an opinion based on the outcome of the trial, but the point is that justice was served in a civilized manner. Side: Against the War
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