Document-Based Question: How did the War of 1812 impact the U.S. economy?

DOCUMENT A:
U.S. Imports and Exports, 1790-1830
Note: The War of 1812 lasted from 1812 to 1815.

What do you notice about imports and exports?

How do imports and exports BEFORE the War of 1812 compare to imports and
exports AFTER the War of 1812?

Arlington ISD

Document-Based Question: How did the War of 1812 impact the U.S. economy?

DOCUMENT B:
Impact of the Blockade
Situated at the mouth of the Hudson River, New York had a population of over 96,000 in
1810. It was an active commercial center Steps were taken before and during the [War
of 1812] to improve its defenses, but the British never threatened the city with attack,
preferring to impose a blockade of its sea routes through most of the war.
Excerpt from Historical Dictionary of the War of 1812, by Robert Malcomson (Scarecrow
Press)
The British blockade had a deadly effect on the United States. Foreign trade dropped
sharply, and government revenue dried up. Commerce is becoming very slack, reported
a resident of Baltimore in the spring of 1813, no arrivals from abroad, and nothing going
to sea but sharp [fast] vessels. By the end of the year, the sea lanes had become so
dangerous that insurance for ocean-going vessels had soared to 50 percent of the value
of the ship and cargo.
Excerpt from The War of 1812: A Short History, by Donald R. Hickey (University of Illinois
Press)
What was Britains approach to dealing with port cities and commercial centers during the
War of 1812?

What do you think Britain was trying to accomplish by this strategy? Did it work?

Arlington ISD

Document-Based Question: How did the War of 1812 impact the U.S. economy?

DOCUMENT C:
Lowell Textile Mills

Boston entrepreneur Francis Cabot Lowell made his mark in the business and industrial
world by steeping into new ventures In the winter of 1812-1813, [he] supervised the
creation of the textile mill machinery in the factory he built [in Massachusetts]. Using
his memory, Lowell made sketches of British machinery and improved them It was
another year before the manufacturing process was ready and production began. The
operation was turning out cloth when the War of 1812 ended.
Excerpt from America and the War of 1812, by Eugene M. Wait (Nova Publishers)

What economic opportunity was Francis Cabot Lowell involved in?

What do you think prompted him to pursue this business?

Arlington ISD

Document-Based Question: How did the War of 1812 impact the U.S. economy?

DOCUMENT D:
Economic Activity in the United
States, 1760

Economic Activity in the United

States, 1860

What changes do you notice between 1760 and 1860?

How might the events described in the earlier documents have contributed to the changes
you see?

Arlington ISD