-
Period: to
The War of 1812
-
President Madison takes office
Tension with Britain was high when James Madison took office in 1809. Americans were angry at Britain for arming Native Americasn in the Northwest. Americans also resented the continued impressment of American sailors by the British. -
War Hawks Take Power
Clay,Calhoun, and their supporters were called war hawks- those whowere eager for war with Britain. Oppositition to war was strongest in New England. Many New Englanders believed war with Britain would harm American trade. -
Relations with Great Britain Worsen
Relations with Britain worsened steadily in the early months of 1812. In the spring, the British told the United States they would continue impressing sailors. Meanwhile, Native Americans in the Northwest began new attacks on frontier settlements. In June, Congress declared war on Britain. -
Congress Declares War on Britain
The war did not come at a good time for the British, who were still at war in Europe. However, Britain was not willing to meet American demands to avoid war. Providing Native Americans with support was one way of protecting Canada against an American invasion. -
America is not Ready for War
When the war began, Americans were confident that they would win. It soon became apparent that the United States was not prepared for war. Jefferson's spending cuts had weakened American military strength. The navy had only 16 warships ready for action. The army was so small, with fewer than 7,000 men. -
Britain Blockades American Ports
In the first days of the war, the British set up a blockade of the American coast. Blockade- is the action of shutting a port or road to prevent people or supplies from coming into an area or leaving it. By 1814, the British navy had 135 warships blockading American ports. After reinforcing their troops, the British were able to close off all American ports by war's end. -
Invasion of Canada
Even before the war began, war hawks were demanding an invasion of Canada. They expected Canadians to welcome the chance to throw off British rule. In July 1812, American troops under General William Hull invaded Canada from Detroit. Hull was unsure of himself. Fearing he did not have enough slodiers,he soon retreated. The British commander, General Isaac Brook, took advantage of Hull's confusion. And forced his army to surrender. -
USS Constitution scores a victory
During the battle of Lake Erie , the American flagship was badly damaged. The American commander, Olivi Hazard Perry, switched to another and continued the fight until it was won. Perry announced his victory with a dramatic message: " We have met the enemy an the are ours." With Americans in control of the lake, the British were forced to leave Detroit and retreat back into Canada. -
Second Battle of Sackets Harbor
A British was transported across Lake Ontario and attempted to capture the town, which was the principal dockyard and base for the American naval squadron on the lake. They were repulsed by American regulars and militia. -
Battle of Lake Erie
American forces had better luck on Lake Erie. both sides were aware of the importance of controlling the lake. A key three-hour battle took place in Put-In-Bay, in the western part of the lake, in 1813. -
Battle of Thames
As the British and their Native American allies retreated, the Americans under General William Henry Hudson pursued them. They followed the British into Canada, defeating them in the Battle of Thames. Tecumesh was among those killed in the battle. -
Battle of Horseshoe Bend
Native of Americans also suffered defeat in the South. In the summer of 1813, Creek warriors attacked several southern American settlements. Andrew Jackson took commmand of American forces in Georgia. In March 1814, Jackosn defeated the Creeks at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. -
Battle of Fort Oswego
During the eraly months of 1814 Lake Onatrio was frozen, the British and Americaan naval squadrons had been build two frigates each, with which to contest command of the coming campaigning season. -
Washington, D.C Attacked & Burned
The new British strategy was to attack the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. In August 1814,a British force marched down into the city. The British set fire to several government buildings, including the White House. -
Attack on Baltimore and the Writing of the Star Spangled Banner
The Briish now moved on to Baltimore. British warships bombarded the fort throughout the night of September 13, 1814. An Key wrote mthe song The Star Spangeled Banner. -
Battle of Plattsburgh
Captain George Downie's squadron attacked shortly after dawn 11 September 1814. They lost the battle. In the battle Downie was shot and killed.
