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President Madison Takes Office
When James Madison took office, tension between the United States and Britain was high. Americans were upset because Britain had continued the impressment of American sailors, and because Britain had armed Native Americans. -
Period: to
The War of 1812
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War Hawks Take Power
Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun became leaders in the House of Representatives. They and their suporters were called war hawks. They were eager for war with Britain. -
Relations With Great Britain Worsen
In early 1812, relations with Britain got worse. Not only were they still impressing American sailors, but the Native Americans that they armed were now attacking frontier settlements. -
Congress Declares War on Britain
Britain's continuous impressment of American sailors and Native American attacks led Congress to declare war on Britain. -
America is not Ready for War
Jefferson's spending cuts had weakened the miltary. It was soon clear that the United States was not prepared for war. -
Britain Blockades American Ports
Britain set up a blockade on the American coast. By 1814, ther were 135 British warships blockading American ports. -
Invasion of Canada
From Detroit, American troops invaded Canada. Leading them was General William Hull, who surrendered, resulting in the capture of over 2,000 American soldiers. -
USS Constitution Scores a Victory
A major sea battle took place in the North Atlantic ocean. The USS Constitution defeated the British warship Guerriere. -
Battle of Lake Erie
A three hour battle took place at Put-In-Bay. The American flagship was damaged, and the commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, had switched ships to continue the fight until it was won. -
Battle of Horseshoe Bend
Creek warriors had been attacking southern settlements. In the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, they were defeated by Andrew Jackson. -
Washington D.C. Attacked and Burned
The British marched into Washington and burned several government buildings, including the White House. -
Writing of The Star Spangled Banner.
Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star Spangled Banner" on the back of an envelope while watching the British attack Fort McHenry. It told the story of the night's watch. -
Hartford Convention
A group of Federalists met in Hartford. Some deligates wanted the New England states to secede, but as the war ended, so did the convention. -
Treaty of Ghent
On Christmas Eve, 1814, both sides signed the Treaty of Ghent to end the war. -
Battle of New Orleans
It took several weeks for news of the treaty to reach the United States. As a result, Andrew Jackson fought and won one last battle in New Orleans.
