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The War of 1812
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President Madison Takes Office
After being elected and inaugerated, President Madison wanted the U.S to stay out of war. Many people thought this approach was too timid and weak. Talks of war with Britain aroused the nation. -
War Hawks Take Power
In March of 1810, two men were elected into the House of Representatives as leaders of their state sof South Carolina and Kentucy. These two men, nationalists Henry Clay of Kentucky and John Calhoun of South Carolina, and their supporters were War Hawks, who were eager for a war against Britain.
With their pressuring, the worsening of relations, and the constant impressment of sailors, Congress finally declared war. -
Relations with Great Britain Worsen
The U.S's relationship with Great Britain slowly and steadily worsened over the course of the year. Americans discovered that the constant attacks by Native Americans were supplied by the British, which only worsened their relations. Plus, Americans were told, by the British, that their sailors would continue to be impressed. With these statements, the War Hawks pressured Americans to battle Britain. -
Britain Blockades American Ports
Great Britain blockaded American ports using ships, effectively cutting off all trade by sea. Unfortunately, the American navy was too weak to break the hold. By 1814, Britain had 135 ships sent to blockade all American ports. -
America is not Ready for War
At the start, Americans were confident that they would win the war. However, President Jefferson's spending cuts from earlier had downsized the army and navy drastically. With an army of less than 7,000 and a navy of 16 ships, America was underprepared. Compared to Britain's military, these numbers could be thought of as pathetic. -
Congress Declares War on Britain
War Hawks constantly urged Congress to delcare war with Britain. Their influence was mediocre, and they were opposed by the public, since the War Hawks also urged the U.S to invade and conquer Florida and Canada. New Engalnders were afraid that the British were going to attack them. President Madison asked Congress to declare war, and, with a 79-49 vote in favor of war, they did. -
Invasion of Canada
Before the war, War Hawks were demanding the U.S to invade Canada. This was attempted. Led by General William Hull, Americans were led from Detroit. Unsure of himself, Hull and his men retreated. Using this to his advantage, the British General Isaac Brooke and his men surrounded Hull's troops and forced them to surrender. -
USS Constitution Scores a Victory
Near the land of Newfoundland, the USS Constitution spotted the British ship, the HMS Guerriere. These ships tried to get into position for quite a few minutes, before the open fire from the British ship. Taking little damage, the Constitution fired, tearing apart the Guerriere. Shortly after, the Guerriere surrendered, with dozens injured and dead. -
Battle of Lake Erie
This battle can be thought of as the most important sea battle of the War of 1812. During this war, among the battle's damages was the American flagship. After a switch of this ship, the fight was led by commander Oliver Hazard Perry until the victory of the U.S. This ensured the control of the lake to the U.S. -
Battle of Thames
During this battle, Americans attempted to recover Detroit from Britain. The position of Britain relied on their control of Lake Erie. Without this, the British would have to retreat back to Canada. With the holding of the lake, the British managed to contain a squadron of Americans. These Americans escaped during a British trade, and blockaded them from receiving supplies. The British leader refused to attack them. Once fully armed, the American forces attacked, and gained control of the lake. -
Horseshoe Bend
In this battle, the two sides were comprised of the Creek Indians and the American forces. Leading the Americans was Tennesee officer Andrew Jackson. With help from the Cherokees, Jackson won a crushing victory against their opponent. Later, alone, the leader of the Creek Indians entered the American camp, surrendering. -
Washington D.C. Attacked and Burned
Quickly, the British strategy changed. They were going to attack Washington D.C. The President's wife, Dolly Madison, grabbed important papers and fled with her husband. The British set fire to several government buildings, including the White House. It shocked Americans as they learned that their military could not have saved it. -
Attack on Baltimore
American forces tried their best to push back sea and land invasions, by the British, aimed at the busy city of Baltimore. During their defense, Americans killed a British commander. Afterward, a defected squad of Americans were found fighting on the side of Britain. Ultimately, Americans and Baltimore survived. -
Writing of the Star Spangled Banner
During his night of watch, Francis Key watched the British attacks on Fort McHenry. He watched the battle until dawn, when he realized the American flag was still over the fort, and that Americans fended off the attack. Recalling the attack, Key made a poem on the back of an old envelope, entitled "The Star Spangled Banner". Later, this made it's way to becoming our national anthem. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent, signed in the city of Ghent, was the document that ended the War of 1812, and was the treaty between the U.S and the U.K. Ratified by Parliment on December 30, and was signed into law. Unfortunately, it took weeks for the news of peace to reach the U.S, which resulted in unnecessary combat. -
Hartford Convention
The Hartford Convention was a series of meetings during the months of December and January. These meetings were held by New England Federalists to discuss grievances of the War of 1812, along with discussions of the Federalist government power. Plus, there were discussions of many political topics, such as the removal of the three-fifths compromise, and relations with Britain and France, and opposition of the War of 1812 itself. -
Battle of New Orleans
This battle is considered the greatest American land victory. With intent to seize New Orleans and the Louisiana Purcahse. Led by commander Andrew Jackson, Americans attacked the British and their general, Edward Pakenham. Hostilities continued between both of them until February, when the announcement of peace reached the combats. This brought an end to the war.
