-
Period: to
The War of 1812
-
President Madison Takes Office
Tension was high with Britain when the 4th president of the United States, James Madison, took office. Americans were angry with Britain for arming Native Americans in the Northwest. Americans resented the continued impressment of American sailors by the British. -
War Hawks Take Power
Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun became leaders in the House of Representatives. Clay and Calhoun were war hawks (people who were eager for war with Britain.) They convinced congress into a declaration of war with Britain. -
Period: to
Relations with Great Britain Worsen
The United States relations with Britian worsened during early months of 1812. Britain had warned Americans on how they planned to continue impressing soldiers. Native Americans in the northwest began to use new attacks on frontier settlements. -
Congress Delclares War on Britain
The war hawks took power and shortly after Congress declared war on Britain. The British were still at war in Europe. However, Britain was not willing to meet American demands to avoid war. -
America is not Ready for War
The Americans were not ready for war with Great Britain. Jefferson's spending cuts had weakened the strength of the American military. The army had less than 7,000 men. -
Britain Blocakdes American Ports
Int he first days of the war, the Brtiish set up a blockade of the American coast. A blockade is the action of shutting down a port or to prevent people or supplies from coming into an area or leaving it. Ports from New York to present day Florida were blocked. -
Invasion of Canada
Even before the war vegan , war hawks were demanding an invasion of Canada. Thye expected Canadians ro welcome the chance to throw of British rule. In July 1812, American troops invaded Canada from Detroit. -
USS Constitution Scores a Victory
A major sea battke was foiyght at the vbegibinbg of the war. In AUgust 1812, the USS Constitution defeated the British warship Gueriere (gau ree Air) in a tough battle. The ship was nicknamed "Old Ironsides" because British artillery bounced right of the ships wooden hull. To the American sailors, it seemed as if the ship was made of iron. -
Second Battle of Sackets Harbor
The Second Battle of Sackets Harbor, or just the Battle of Sackets Harbor, took place in Sackets Harbor, New York. A British force was brought across Lake Ontario and tried to capture the town. However, they were repulsed by American regulars and militia. Although several Americans were wounded and killed, it was a victory. -
Battle of Lake Erie
The Battle of Lake Erie was fought in Lake Erie off the coast of Ohio. It was an american victory. The US Navy captured and defaeted 6 vessels of Britains Navy. This ensured American control of lake for the rest of the war. -
Battle of Thames
The Battle of Thames was a victory for American troops. It took place in present day Ontario, Canada. This resulted in the death in a entire Native American coalation including Shawnee chief Tecumseh, the leader of the coalation. -
Battle of Horseshoe Bend
The Battle of Horseshoe Bend was fought in present day Alabama. United States forces under Andrew Jackson defated the Red Sticks Indian Tribe. This battle is considered part of the War of 1812, but ended the Creek war. -
Battle of Fort Oswego
The Battle of Fort Oswego was a partially successful British raid during the War of 1812. The United States took on 200 sailors, 400 marines, 550 soldiers, and 8 warships from Great Britain. Over 100 Americans were killed in the attack. -
Wahington, D.C Attacked & Burned
The "Burning of D.C." was a conflict during the War of 1812 between Great Britain and Ireland and the US. Genral Robert Ross, a British force occupied Washington D.C.. He set fire to many building including the White House and US Capitol. -
Battle of Plattsburgh
The Battle of Plattsburgh, also know as the Battle of Lake Champlain, ended the final invasion of the northern states during the War of 1812. The result was a decisive American victory. The American troops were led under Brigadier General Alexander Macomb. The battle took place shortly before the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war. -
Attack on Baltimore & the Writing of the Star Spangled Banner
The new strategy for the British wasto attack the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. In August 1814, they did just that by setting fire to several government buildings including the White House. They then moved on to Baltimore. The British warships bonbarded the fort throughout thre night of September 13th, 1814. A young American watched the attack. At Dawn, the flag was still standing. This inspired the writing of the Star Spangled Banner. -
Hartford Convention
In December 1814, a group of Federalists met in Hartford, Connecticut. Some delegates of the Hartford Convention suggested that the New England states secede, or withdraw, from the United States. When delegates were debating, news of the peace treaty arrived. With the war over, the Hartford Convention quickly ended. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent ended the war of 1812 between Great Britain and the United States. The peace negotiations began in Ghent, Belgium starting in August 1814. After four months of talks, the treaty was officialy signed on December 24th, 1814. -
Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans was the last battle of the War of 1812. American forces, led by Andrew Jackson, defeated the British goal on seizing New Orleans. They wanted this territory because the United States aquired it with the Louisiana Purchase.
