What if AMERICA won the War of 1812? Animated Alternate History

Videntis
23 Apr 202320:58
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis alternate history video script explores the profound impact if the United States had won the War of 1812. It delves into the hypothetical scenarios that could have unfolded, including the US taking control of Canada and the Bahamas, the potential end of slavery, and the shifting political landscape. The script imagines a series of events leading to America's expansion, the rise and fall of political parties, and the long-term implications on international relations, all culminating in a vastly different 20th century.

Takeaways
  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ James Madison declared war on Britain in 1812, expecting an easy victory and support from Canadians, which did not materialize.
  • 🏰 Despite initial setbacks and the burning of the White House, the War of 1812 ended without a clear winner, leading to the Treaty of Ghent in 1814.
  • πŸ” The war was a result of long-standing frustrations with Britain's actions, including impressment of US sailors, trade restrictions, and support for Native Americans resisting American settlers.
  • πŸ¦… The US was not prepared for war, with a divided Congress and a North-South divide in opinion, favoring either Napoleon or Britain.
  • 🌐 A hypothetical scenario is presented where America wins the War of 1812, leading to significant changes in history, including the conquest of Canada and the Bahamas.
  • πŸ—½ In this alternate history, the US military is stronger, Napoleon is more successful in Europe, and Britain is forced to cede land and pay reparations.
  • πŸ“œ Madison, in his third term, proposes a Slave Act to end slavery in 20 years, aiming to unify the nation and address a contentious issue.
  • πŸ† The hypothetical US victory leads to a series of further territorial expansions, including the acquisition of Florida from Spain and control over the Caribbean.
  • 🌟 The script suggests that Madison would be remembered as one of America's best presidents, alongside George Washington, for his leadership and contributions.
  • 🌱 The script paints a picture of an America that expands westward and becomes self-sufficient, with less reliance on Europe and a more isolationist stance.
  • πŸ•ŠοΈ The alternate history presented posits a less deadly civil conflict due to the gradual decline of slavery and a more unified nation under the Madison Doctrine.
Q & A
  • Who declared war on Britain in 1812 and what was the date?

    -James Madison declared war on Britain on June 18, 1812.

  • What was the initial expectation of the US when they marched into Canada during the War of 1812?

    -The US expected an easy victory and anticipated that their Canadian brothers would rise up against their British rulers.

  • What significant event occurred on August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812?

    -On August 24, 1814, British forces landed on US soil and burned the White House.

  • What was the outcome of the War of 1812 as per the Treaty of Ghent?

    -The Treaty of Ghent, signed on December 27, 1814, ended the war with neither side winning or losing, and both were somewhat satisfied with the result.

  • What were some of the causes that led to the War of 1812?

    -Causes included British kidnapping of US sailors, the Orders in Council affecting trade, a trade blockade around France, British support for Tecumseh, rumors of sabotage of the US textile industry, and the influence of war hawks advocating for war.

  • How did the North-South divide in the US impact the decision to go to war with Britain in 1812?

    -The North-South divide affected the decision as Northern Federalists, who relied on trade with England, were against the war, while Southern Democrat-Republicans, who romanticized Napoleon, were pro-war.

  • What would have been necessary for the US to have a chance at defeating Britain during the War of 1812?

    -For the US to have a chance at defeating Britain, Napoleon would have needed to be in a better position in Europe, France would have to be seen more favorably, and Jefferson would have had to be more pro-army.

  • What was the significance of the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812?

    -The Battle of Lake Erie, won by Captain Oliver Hazard Perry on September 10, 1813, gave the US control over the lake and boosted American morale.

  • How did the Presidential election of 1816 impact the future of the US presidency?

    -James Madison's reelection in 1816 set a precedent for future presidents with extreme popularity, like Jackson, to potentially run for more than two terms.

  • What policy did Madison propose regarding slavery during his third term?

    -Madison proposed a ban on slavery in 20 years, aiming to solve the issue without causing immediate secession by the South.

  • What was the hypothetical outcome of the War of 1812 if the US had won?

    -If the US had won the War of 1812, it could have led to significant changes including the acquisition of Canadian lands, a shift in the balance of power, and a different approach to slavery and statehood.

  • How did the hypothetical victory in the War of 1812 affect the US's stance towards Europe and England?

    -In the hypothetical scenario, the US became more self-reliant and isolationist, with Europe becoming less important due to a large, self-sufficient economy, and there was ongoing tension with England.

  • What was the proposed 'Madison Doctrine' and how did it differ from the actual 'Monroe Doctrine'?

    -The 'Madison Doctrine' would have been a policy stating that European nations must stay out of the new world, similar to the actual 'Monroe Doctrine,' but named after James Madison instead of James Monroe.

  • How did the hypothetical outcomes of the War of 1812 influence the development of the United States in the 19th century?

    -The hypothetical outcomes suggest a US that expanded significantly, with a population boom, internal trade, and a stance of isolationism, possibly not participating in World War 1.

Outlines
00:00
🏰 The War of 1812: An Alternate Scenario

This paragraph explores an alternate history where the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain results in a decisive American victory. It discusses the initial American optimism, the unexpected resilience of Canadian resistance, and the eventual British invasion and burning of the White House. The narrative then shifts to a hypothetical situation where Napoleon's position in Europe improves, leading to a more favorable alliance with the US and a weakened British military presence in Canada. This change results in a series of American military successes, including the capture of key forts and territories, and the eventual Treaty of Lisbon, which cedes large parts of Canada and other territories to the US. The paragraph also touches on the domestic political implications, such as the potential for slavery to be abolished and the transformation of the political landscape.

05:01
πŸ›‘οΈ The Aftermath and Expansion of the United States

Continuing from the alternate victory in the War of 1812, this paragraph delves into the subsequent expansion and political developments of the United States. It describes how the US would leverage its new territories, including Canada and the Bahamas, and the impact on the British loyalists who would flee to England. The narrative also covers the potential for a national anthem reflecting the new American identity and the changes in the presidential landscape, with Madison potentially serving more than two terms. The paragraph further speculates on the Federalist party's decline and the rise of a new political order, with slavery being a central issue that could be resolved through Madison's proposed Slave Act of 1817.

10:02
🌟 America's Rise to Continental Dominance

This paragraph envisions America's continued growth and dominance following the hypothetical success in the War of 1812. It outlines the country's expansion into new territories, such as Florida from Spain and the Caribbean, leading to a significant increase in the number of states. The narrative also touches on the potential for a new national identity, with regions like Quebec being Americanized and the idea of Canada fading as it becomes more integrated into the US. Additionally, the paragraph discusses the potential for conflict with Mexico, the admission of Texas into the Union, and the eventual acquisition of Alaska, creating a vast and powerful United States.

15:05
πŸ•ŠοΈ A United America and the 'Era of Good Feelings'

The paragraph discusses the potential for a unified and prosperous America, with Monroe's presidency marking a period of 'Era of Good Feelings'. It highlights the peaceful transition of territories into states and the balance of power between the North and South, with each region gaining an equal number of states. The narrative also explores the potential for a new rival party, the Patriot Party, and the continued expansion of the US under the leadership of popular war heroes. The paragraph concludes with a vision of a self-reliant and isolationist America, with a booming economy and a population that spans the continent.

20:06
πŸ›οΈ America's Isolationist Stance and the Impact on World History

In this final paragraph, the narrative considers America's potential isolationist stance during World War 1, given its self-sufficient economy and lack of close ties with European powers. It invites speculation on how America's absence from the war might have altered its course and outcomes. The paragraph also reflects on the broader implications of the War of 1812, suggesting that a different outcome could have led to a drastically different world. It concludes by encouraging viewers to share their thoughts on how history might have changed and to engage with the content creator for future video ideas.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a conflict fought between the United States and the United Kingdom, its former colonial ruler, from June 1812 to February 1815. In the video's alternate history scenario, the war is pivotal as it sets off a chain of events leading to a vastly different outcome for the US. The script mentions that James Madison declared war on Britain, and the US marched into Canada expecting an easy victory, which is a key point in the alternate history narrative.
πŸ’‘Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent was the peace treaty that ended the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. In the video, it is noted that the treaty was signed on December 27, 1814, ending the war with neither side winning or losing, which is a historical fact. However, the script also explores the hypothetical scenario where the war's outcome was different, affecting the subsequent course of history.
πŸ’‘Napoleon
Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader during the turn of the 19th century. In the script, Britain's preoccupation with Napoleon in Europe is given as a reason for the US declaring war in 1812. Additionally, the script speculates on how a different position for Napoleon in Europe could have changed the outcome of the War of 1812 and the subsequent history of the US.
πŸ’‘Manifest Destiny
Manifest Destiny is the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent. The script refers to war hawks who wanted another war with Britain as 'manifest destiny seemed inevitable for America,' suggesting a belief in the expansion of the US territory as a driving force behind the war.
πŸ’‘Federalists
The Federalists were a political party in the United States during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In the video, they are depicted as opposing the war with Britain because they relied on trade with England. Their opposition to the war and the subsequent downfall of the party is a key element in the alternate history presented.
πŸ’‘Slavery
Slavery was a contentious issue in US history, particularly leading up to the Civil War. The script discusses Madison's personal opposition to slavery and his proposal of a ban on slavery in 20 years. This is a significant aspect of the video's alternate history, as it suggests a different trajectory for the issue of slavery in the US.
πŸ’‘Madison Doctrine
The Madison Doctrine, as mentioned in the script, is an alternate history version of the Monroe Doctrine, which asserted U.S. interests in the Americas. In the video, it is suggested that this doctrine would have been established by James Madison, emphasizing the U.S.'s stance against European intervention in the Americas.
πŸ’‘Expansion
The concept of expansion in the video refers to the territorial growth of the United States. The script outlines how, in the alternate history, the US expands to control large parts of North America, including Canada and territories in the Caribbean. This expansion is a central theme in the video's narrative.
πŸ’‘Era of Good Feelings
The 'Era of Good Feelings' was a period of national unity in the United States following the War of 1812. In the script, this period is mentioned as starting under President Monroe and is characterized by a unified national identity and pride in being American, which is a key aspect of the video's alternate history.
πŸ’‘Secession
Secession refers to the act of withdrawing from a political entity, such as a state leaving a country. In the video, the script discusses how the issue of secession would be different in the alternate history, with less support for the idea due to previous agreements on abolishing slavery and a different political climate.
πŸ’‘Texas
Texas is mentioned in the script as a territory that sought to join the Union in the alternate history. The script suggests that Texas would not initially be admitted due to its stance against slavery, which is a significant departure from historical events and contributes to the alternate history narrative.
Highlights

James Madison declared war on Britain on June 18, 1812, initiating the War of 1812.

The US anticipated an easy victory and support from Canadian citizens against British rule, which did not materialize.

The British burned the White House on August 24, 1814, during the war.

The Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 27, 1814, ending the war with no clear winner.

The War of 1812 was a result of accumulated frustrations against British actions, including the impressment of US sailors and trade restrictions.

Britain's support for Tecumseh and trade blockades negatively impacted the US economy.

The US was divided over the war, with the North relying on trade with Britain and the South supporting the conflict.

An alternate scenario suggests that changes in Napoleon's position in Europe and US domestic policies could have led to a different outcome.

In this alternate history, the US could have potentially won the war with a stronger military and political unity.

The hypothetical US victory would have led to significant territorial gains, including Canada and the Bahamas.

Madison's hypothetical third term would focus on addressing the issue of slavery with a proposed ban in 20 years.

The hypothetical Treaty of Lisbon in 1818 would have seen Britain cede lands in Canada and pay reparations to the US.

The US would have expanded westward and acquired territories like Texas, leading to a smaller and less deadly civil conflict.

The hypothetical US victory in the War of 1812 would have reshaped international relations and domestic policies.

The alternate history suggests a US that is more isolationist and self-reliant, with less influence from Europe.

In this scenario, the US could have potentially sat out World War 1 due to its isolationist stance.

The long-term effects of a US victory in the War of 1812 would have been drastic, altering the course of history.

Transcripts
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