The War of 1812

The War of 1812

The War of 1812 is remembered as the second and last war for independence. This war confirmed the loyalty and strength of the United States, and helped the nation succeed on its own. Unlike most nations, America did not cower during the war, they fought with great strength.
After 1783, the United States was independent, but the British still treated them the same even after the Revolutionary War. The British forced Americans into the Royal Navy, armed Native Americans to abolish the Americans from expanding into their land, and had several trading restrictions on the U.S. During the early 1800s, Napoleon needed equipment to defeat the British, but when the United States sent the equipment, their trading ships were stopped by the British. In 1807, Thomas Jefferson tried to abolish the trading restrictions by creating the Embargo Act. This Act hurt the United States more than it did Britain, so the Embargo Act was removed. During Madison’s presidency, avoiding conflict was difficult because of how poorly the British treated America. A group known as the “War Hawks”, led by Speaker of the House Henry Clay, pressured the United States to declare war on Britain. The War Hawk aspired to attack the British, due to the terrible treatment, and so they could conquer Canada. Although Madison wanted to stay out of war, the pressure from the War Hawks, and the British’s disrespect to the United States, led the country into war.
The United States declared war on the British in June 1812. The American Navy was small compared to the British, but it did not stop the U.S. from fighting the powerful Royal Navy. Both sides battled for control of the Great Lakes so they could gain control of Canada, but neither side could hold onto an advantage. The Americans had a great victory in September 1814, where they defeated the British forces at the Battle of Plattsburgh. The U.S. won due to poor commanding from the British leader. The United States now had control of Lake Champlain, and held control of this region until the end of the war. There were not many major victories for either side until 1814, when the British defeated Napoleon.
In 1814, the British had several successes in the war, and even invaded the capitol, Washington D.C. During the invasion, the government was then forced to flee, and the British burned several of the government buildings, including the White House and Capitol. The first lady, Dolley Madison, organized the White House staff to save several important documents, including a famous picture of George Washington. The British, after their success, headed toward Baltimore, because there was an important ship port for the Americans located in Baltimore. The port was protected by Fort McHenry, and the British organized 20 ships to destroy the fort. After 25 hours of constant artillery, the fort still remained, and the American flag was still flying. Due to the constant rain, the British were unable to destroy Fort McHenry because the artillery’s damage was reduced. An American soldier, Francis Scott Key, was on board one of the British ships as a negotiator, and wrote the “Defense of Fort McHenry” to describe what he had witnessed. This writing would later be known as the Star Spangled Banner.
During 1814, both sides grew tired of constant war; this resulted in the Treaty of Ghent in December 1814. The treaty went into full effect when the U.S. Senate ratified it in February 1815. Although the Treaty of Ghent was signed, a final impressive battle was held. The Americans were led by the Revolutionary War veteran, Andrew Jackson, and successfully defended New Orleans from the British forces. After the battle, there were 2,459 British casualties and 333 American casualties. This battle was a superb American Victory.
The War of 1812 resulted in independence for the United States, and a large addition to America’s history. The American victory led to the development of the United States, and the growth of their strong independent army. The War of 1812 is often referred to as one of America’s greatest victories.

Learning from Mistakes

Learning from Mistakes

People learn more when finding out that they have made a mistake and trying again. People learn less when they succeed at something, because they can easily forget it in the future. Mistakes help people learn more, because if they keep working at it, they will eventually learn from their mistakes.
Students often find it difficult to write essays, but if they keep rewriting, they will soon master the skill. Math is another difficult subject, but several people succeed in this subject by making mistakes and figuring out how to fix it and find the correct answer. In this way, making a mistake makes students successful. When people make mistakes, they have to work at correcting it, forcing them to learn it better in the long run. Succeeding without making a mistake leads to forgetting it in a short period of time.
It is best to make mistakes, because we learn more from them. Mistakes are a large part of learning. Without mistakes, we would often forget things. Life is full of mistakes, but we learn from them.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte is known as the best general the world has ever seen. He had a large part in ending the French Revolution, and set a great example for future generals and politicians. His strong military characteristics started at a young age and continued throughout his entire life.
Napoleon was born on the island of Corsica, in 1769. He studied military tactics as a young boy, and at age 15 he enrolled in the French Military School. A year later he graduated with the rank of second lieutenant in the artillery, and returned to his home in Corsica. Napoleon and his family were forced to flee their home, due to his sympathies with the French Revolution. Because of Napoleons impressive military performance, he received commendation and was promoted to brigadier general, in 1793. During the Reign of Terror, Napoleon was put in jail for supporting the Jacobins. He was imprisoned for 11 days and was then set free. Napoleon was then promoted to General of the Army of the West by the newly established Directory.
A year after Napoleon’s promotion, he was given command of the French Army in Italy. Napoleon had several successful military campaigns in 1796 through 1799 which helped expand the power of France. Napoleon’s military skill helped stabilize the French military situation, and helped his popularity with the citizens. After his campaign to conquer Egypt, in 1799, he returned to Paris to pressure the replacement over the disliked Directory. With the Military’s and Napoleon’s pressuring, the Directory was forced to resign, and Napoleon became the First Consul of the government. Napoleon wrote a new constitution for France and wanted to hold an election for Emperor of France. Napoleon was favored 99% by both the constitution and election. He became the Emperor of France, and was even blessed by the Pope.
Napoleon was always on the move as general, and moved through several campaigns. France was the dominant power in Europe, in 1810, but its empire was unstable. Napoleon faced financing the several expensive wars he had, but he regained the money by selling the Louisiana Purchase territory to the United States. The people of France grew tired of constant war and did not always trust the dominant personality of Napoleon at the head of their government. Finally, in 1814 the Senate declared the Empire to be ended, and Napoleon was forced to give up the throne to Louis the eighteenth. Napoleon accepted an exile to the Mediterranean island of Elba, and his wife and son fled to Vienna.
In 1815, Napoleon escaped exile by recruiting the guards guarding him, and returned to France. He was nicely greeted by the citizens, and regained the throne in Paris quickly. Napoleon went out on yet another campaign, but did not realize it would be his last. Napoleon set his troops to attack the British and Prussian forces in the Battle of Waterloo, where he was defeated. Although he won 40 battles before this one, the Battle of Waterloo is the best remembered. Napoleon was forced to give up his throne and died in exile on the British island of Saint Helena in 1821.
Napoleon is remembered for ending the French Revolution. He was a successful general for the French and even the world. Several American states would not exist without this fierce general. He has a large part in history, and will always be remembered as the greatest general in the world.

The Pursuit of Happiness

The Pursuit of Happiness

The pursuit of happiness is something we reach for each day. The anticipation of a certain event is often the best part. There are also times when the pursuit is the hardest part of the attainment of happiness. Whether it is the attainment of our desires or the chasing of our dreams, the pursuit of happiness is often the major part of our lives.
A holiday every child anticipates is Christmas. Although the day itself is exciting, the wait is even more exciting. The preparations for Christmas are filled with joyful events such as: getting a Christmas tree, building gingerbread houses, and singing Christmas carols with family and friends. It is best to cherish the wait; because once the day arrives it will be over at the blink of an eye. The pursuit of happiness can be a long process, and in some cases it’s best to attain our desires as quickly as possible.
The pursuit of a college degree often takes many years; and the years can be full of hard work. Every student looks forward to graduating as soon as they can, but the pursuit of that degree is a long process. All the tests and studying make college a stressful time, and the anticipation of finishing grows stronger every year. Students still enjoy learning new things and making new friends, but the thrill of the final graduation and the attainment of the degree outweighs the hard work.
Although it can be best to attain our pleasure and satisfaction as soon as possible, it is best to enjoy the moments leading to that final attainment. If people anticipate the attainment of a desire, it will have more meaning. People today get what they want, but they should not forget to enjoy the journey.

George Washington and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

George Washington and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

George Washington and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were important figures in the 1700s. Washington was influential in politics and leadership, and Mozart was influential in music, but both demonstrated a strong work ethic. These men did not lack in hard work or loyalty, and they both set an incredible example for us today.
George Washington was born in Virginia on February 11 1732. This hero was born to a middle-class family, and he had a comfortable childhood. George had six siblings survive to adulthood, but at age 11, sadly, George’s father died. Lawrence Washington, George’s brother, took care of George. George was strongly influenced by Lawrence’s father-in-law, William Fairfax, who helped him earn his commission. George was mostly homeschooled and had a tutor until age 15, when he began to work. In 1784, at age 16, Washington started his first job of surveying with his brother. He mapped several portions of western Virginia, and was appointed chief surveyor of Culpeper County, and began to purchase his own land for speculative purposes. Lawrence died in 1752 and left all the family estates to George. Washington was to replace his brother as one of the four militia leaders for Virginia. George led a small part of a militia during the French and Indian War. He quit his surveying job due to foolish campaigns, and remained inactive in military duties until the Revolutionary War. He decided to return to his plantation, which he named Mount Vernon, and live a peaceful life. He married a wealthy lady named Martha Custis, and adopted her two children during 1759. Washington kept the peace among several officers, and provided great leadership during the Revolutionary War. In 1783 the war finally ended and for the next four years, George enjoyed his plantation and family. He lived a quiet life until 1787 when he was called to become President of the Constitutional Convention. Washington was a leader in the meetings to discuss the leading towards the Constitution, and was an important figure during its development. When the Constitution was ratified in 1789, George was elected to be the first President of the United States. Washington took this job very seriously. He understood the importance of organizing the writing of the Constitution. George served two terms and could have been elected for a third term, but he decided he had been president long enough, so he transferred the presidency to John Adams. Washington gave a farewell address and returned to Mount Vernon with his family, and died on his plantation in 1799. Washington is ranked as one of the greatest presidents, and is remembered as an American hero.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria in 1756. Mozart and his sister were the only children to survive into adulthood. Five of their siblings died in infancy. At an early age, it was clear that Mozart had a unique gift for music. Wolfgang learned the clavier at the age of three by watching his father teach his sister and mimicking her. Mozart’s father realized his son’s talent and began to teach Wolfgang the clavier. Wolfgang taught himself how to play the violin, and later, his father began to bring his two children on tours around Europe to perform. The children were instantly famous, but the long tours were hard on all of them. Mozart and his father departed in 1769 on a long tour to the country of Italy, and one of Mozart’s greatest achievements occurred during this trip. While listening to the Vatican choir, Mozart copied down their music, he nearly landed in trouble until it was heard he had copied it from memory. Wolfgang was awarded the Order of the Golden Spur by the Pope. He returned to Salzburg in 1773, and he was made assistant concertmaster at age 17. During the next 4 years, Mozart made many pieces of music, including several piano concerts. Mozart left Salzburg in 1777 in an attempt to find a better employment in a larger city, but was unsuccessful. In 1781, he received a job offer from the Archbishop of Vienna. Mozart found that this job payed less than his previous job and that the treatment was terrible, so he resigned. Mozart married Constanze Weber in 1782, and had six children, but only two survived infancy. His fame began to spread due to the popularity of Wolfgang’s opera, Die Entfuhrung. Mozart received high praise for his collaboration with another composer, which helped increase his income that was being spent quickly on his extravagant lifestyle. Wolfgang received an invitation in 1787, to become the chamber composer for the court of Emperor Joseph the second. 1788-1789 was a terrible time for Mozart, but he revived his career in 1790-1791 with new pieces of music. His health and mind began to decrees and Mozart died in 1791. Wolfgang was to write a requiem, but died before he could finish it, so his wife found a composer to finish the music and help her earn the rest of his commission.
George Washington and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart are considered the most gifted men in history. George is often referred to as an American hero, a successful leader, and an influential president. Mozart is considered the most gifted prolific composers of the Classical Era. Both of these men had a strong influence in America which continues today.

A Classic American Dessert

A Classic American Dessert

Apple pie is considered the most American desert, and I believe this is true. This gooey sweet treat is served during many holiday celebrations in family homes across America. This delicious pie made warm day view many decades ago, and has a long and tasty history as American’s favorite dessert.
During the 14th century, apple tarts and apple pies were enjoyed as a common dessert in England. The Dutch, in the early 1500s, made the pie more decorative and elegant by adding a lattice top. Finally in the mid-1600s, apples made their way to North America through ship trade. Sadly, the apples that were brought over had a sour and unappetizing taste. In 1697, Swedish, Dutch, and British immigrants brought their tasty pie to America. Throughout the 1700s, Dutch women in Pennsylvania began to bake apple pies at a furious speed to sell their pies to hungry Americans. During World War Two, in the 1940s, journalists asked soldiers why they were fighting in the war, and most of the responses were “for mom and apple pie.” This lead to Americans adopting the saying “as American as apple pie.” Finally, in the 1960s, apple pie became a delicious symbol of patriotism.
Apple pie has woven its way into the hearts of Americans, and is baked by millions during the holidays. This delicious treat is baked on Thanksgiving, Christmas, The Fourth of July, and many other patriotic holidays. Apple pie is not just as symbol of America and its holidays, but it’s also a symbol of tradition and home. This warm and sweet desert reminds many Americans of their families, and coming together to enjoy this mouthwatering treat. Apple pie has a large impact on family during the holidays, and is a reminder of all the good times and celebrations with our family and friends.
There are several close competitors to apple pie, but this warm cinnamon tradition will always be the most American dessert. Unlike most desserts, apple pie has a rich American history, and dominates all other ordinary desserts during the holidays. Apple pie had a large initial impact on America, and will always be the richest classic American dessert.

The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation are an important part of the development of the United States of America. Along with the Founding Fathers, these Articles are an important part of American History. Even though the Articles were abolished, they had a strong influence on The Constitution.
The Articles were the first Constitution of the America, and were in order from 1776 to 1787. The Articles of Confederation were a list of 13 articles, a conclusion, and Continental Congress’s signatures. The Articles were established by many of the same people who established the Constitution, but were a shorter and simpler document. They provided a system for the Continental Congress, which helped direct the American Revolutionary War. The Articles set a new Constitution which provided a stronger federal government by establishing a president, courts, and taxing powers.
There were five Founding Fathers of The Articles of Confederation: Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine, and Peyton Randolph. Samuel Adams was born in 1722, and was the second cousin of John Adams. He was an influential politician in Massachusetts and the Continental Congress, but was a terrible businessman. Samuel helped organize resistances against the Taxation Acts of the Parliament, and was a strong leader. He is often accused as the leader of the Boston Tea Party, but many historians questioned this claim. John Hancock was a wealthy merchant in Massachusetts, and was a friend and follower of Samuel Adams. Like Adams, Hancock became an influential political leader as well. John Hancock served as the second President of the Continental Congress in 1775-1777, and is remembered for his large and fancy signature on the Declaration of Independence. Patrick Henry was born in 1736 in Virginia, was a politician, attorney, and a farmer. Henry’s disagreement with the Stamp Act was the reason for his famous speech “Give me liberty, or give me death.” Patrick Henry served as the governor of Virginia for two terms after the Revolutionary War, 1776-1779 and 1784-1786. Thomas Paine was born in 1737 and is remembered as the author of the influential tract during the Revolutionary War. His tracts, Common Sense and American Crisis, led to citizens wanting to separate from Britain. Peyton Randolph was a farmer from Virginia, who became a lawyer in 1743. Randolph served as speaker of the Virginian House of Burgesses, Attorney General for Virginia, and was the Continental Congress’s first president in 1774-1775. Sadly he died in Philadelphia in 1775 while serving as president.
The Articles of Confederation helped set the United States of America’s development. These Articles were the birthplace to the Constitution, and to the nation’s expansion. The Articles of Confederation had a significant impact in American History, leading to the creation of the Constitution.