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President Madison Takes Office
James Madison takes office as president of the United States. Tensions were high between the U.S and Britain. It would be tough for Madison to make decisions on the brewing war. -
Period: to
The War of 1812
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War Hawks Take Power
Henry Clay of Kentucky and John C. Calhoun of South Carolina become leaders in the House Of Representatives. Both are strong nationalists, and they and their war-eager supporters were known as War Hawks. Though many in New England opposed war, Clay and Calhoun's visions became more supported as events around them made war inevitable. -
Relations With Great Britian Worsen
Great Britian announces that they will continue impressing American soldiers, and are harshly true to their word. Native American attacks in the Northwest resume, fiercer than before. War becomes more and more possible with each infuriating event. -
America Is Not Ready For War
When it came to the war, America was surging with confidence as they declared it. They had, however, neglected to remember Jefferson's spending cuts. The American military's strength had been greatly weakened by it. There were only 16 warships fully prepared for battle, and the army consisted of a measly 7,000 men. Prospects of an American victory were suddenly looking slim. -
Congress Declares War On Britain
The spreading of War Hawks belief is fast as Britain's actions pave the pathway to war. The government cannot leave their acts untreated, and the country is eager. Congress declares war against Great Britain. -
Britain Blocks American Ports
In the early days of the war, the British proceeded to set up a blockade of the American coast. 135 warships closed off many American ports. By the end of the war, not a single American port was left unblocked. -
Invasion Of Canada
The growing number of war hawks demanded an invasion of Canada, even before the war of 1812. At long last their wish was realized. General Willaim Hull led American troops into Canada, but was not entirely confident of a U.S victory. He retreated, and General Isaac Brock's army of British soldiers and Native warriors surrounded the American troops, capturing more than 2,000 U.S soldiers. It was a brutal and humiliating defeat for America, and an easy victory for Great Britain. -
USS Constitution Scores A Victory
The USS Consitution scores a victory against the British warship Guerriere. The American soldiers fondly nicknamed the ship "Old Ironsides", because of it's artillery-deflecting thick wooden hull. It seemed almost as if the great ship was made from iron. -
Second Battle Of Sackets Harbor
British forces travelled across lake Ontario and tried to capture the town of Ontario. This was a vital base for the American Navy and a dockyard. Over 300 Americans and over 250 British were killed, injured or captured, but the U.S did manage to prevent Great Britain from taking Ontario. -
Battle Of Lake Erie
Both America and Great Britain were well aware of the importance of controlling such a major lake as Lake Erie. A short 3-hour battle was the result of this thinking. American commander Oliver Hazard Perry switched from a U.S flagship to a different one, after it got damaged in the battle. Brave American troops continued to fight until they had won the battle, forcing Britain to move out of Detroit and into Canada, and allowing the United States total control over the all-important Lake Erie. -
Battle Of Thames
After the British retreated to Canada after losing the Battle of Lake Erie, the United States pursued them. General William Henry Harrison led the way on the tail of Britain and their Native American allies. The fought the Battle of Thames in Canada, and defeated the British once again. Shawnee war chief Tecumseh was one of the casualties of the battle -
Battle Of Horseshoe Bend
The Native Americans, allies of the British, began attacking American settlements in the South. Andrew Jackson took command of American forces in Georgia to defeat the Native Americans in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. A treaty ended the fighting, but forced the Native Americans to give up many acres of land. -
Battle Of Fort Oswego
The British attempted to raid an American fort and village. They captured some useful supplies such as flour, pork, salt, and bread, but over 80 soldiers wre injured or killed in the process. Though a high total for Britain, it was higher for the U.S.This loss left America with over 100 soldiers killed or injured. -
Washington, D.C Attacked & Burned
A British force marches into Washington, D.C. They set fire to several important buildings, including the White House. Dolley Madison, James Madison's wife, saved several important papers, paintings, and other assorted valubles from being burned in the fire. America could hardly believe how weak their army was, as they could not even defend their own capitol. -
Battle Of Plattsburgh
The British led an attack on Plattsburg, hoping to take the lakeside town. The battle was hard and violent, and one of the British naval leaders died in the attack. America managed to keep Britain away from Plattsburg by winning the battle. -
Attack On Baltimore & The Writing Of The Star Spangled Banner
British troops marched into Baltimore to attack Fort McHenry. This fort defended the city's harbor. British warships attacked ruthlessly through the night. Francis Scott Key watched the battle, and saw the American flag rising proudly the morning after the attack. The U.S had managed to beat off the British. He was so moved, Key wrote a poem called "The Star Spangled Banner". After being set to music and becoming a popular song, Congress made it the National Anthem in 1931. -
Hartfort Convention
People who attended the Hartford Convention were mainly Federalists. Some delegates suggested that New England secede from the United States. Soon after the Hartford Convention's creation, though, news of a peace treaty with Britain arrived and it quickly disbanded. -
Treaty of Ghent
Britain was growing tired of war. Peace talks were beginning to be heard. At last, The U.S and Britain signed a treaty for peace, which finally ended the War of 1812. -
Battle Of New Orleans
A British force planned to capture New Orleans. A peace treaty had been made, but news of it had not reached that far yet. American troops led by Andrew Jackson, fought bravely and won. Soon after, news of the Treaty of Ghent arrived, putting a final end to the war.
