-
Failed Three-Pronged Attack on Canada
The American military organized a three-pronged attack on Canada, Great Britain's weakest area. This plan failed since James Madison relied on officers who were successful in the Revolutionary War. Instead of a concentrated attack to isolate upper Canada, the generals over-complicated things. Meanwhile, the British and Indians continued capturing American forts, so instead of victoriously invading Canada, they were busy keeping their enemies out of their own land. -
Declaration of War (Starting Event)
The beginning event of the War of 1812 was America's declaration of war on Britain on June 18, 1812. The declaration of war was caused by several factors such as western expansion, patriotism, and the issues of impressment from the Orders in Council; however, the British repealed the Orders in Council just 5 days after America declared war. -
Battle of Lake Erie
The U.S. was unable to recapture Detroit because the British position threatened U.S. communications, but Captain Oliver Hazard Perry destroyed a British naval fleet on Lake Erie in the Battle of Lake Erie. Detroit was back under American power with the control of Lake Erie. -
Battle of Thames
After the Battle of Lake Erie, the British retreated and the Americans followed and defeated them at the Thames River, under direction of General William Henry Harrison. This small battle was the Battle of Thames. After their great loss and the death of their leader, Tecumseh, the Indians lost much motivation; however, the American goal of invading Canada was also pushed back. -
Napoleon Driven from Power
The Allies of Europe were able to take Paris and drive Napoleon from power. This meant that Britain no longer faced two enemies, and was able to focus its efforts on the war with the U.S. -
The Burning of Washington
British forces during the Battle of Bladensburg marched into Washington, overtaking the American troops. While they were celebrating their victory, some of the British troops began to set public buildings on fire, including the White House. This was the pinnacle of British success; however, the Americans were able to win back Washington and began rebuilding it in 1817. -
Bombardment of Fort McHenry
The bombardment of Fort McHenry occurred during the Battle of Baltimore and started on the 13th of September but carried on to the 14th. This event led to the creation of the Star Spangled Banner. Seeing the American flag still waving in the morning over the fort inspired Francis Scott Key, a captive on a British ship, to write the song that became the national anthem. The bombardment was a turning point because the war began to move toward resolution afterwards. -
Federalists meet at Hartford Convention
The Hartford Convention was a meeting between New England Federalists in December 1814 and January 1815 to protest the War of 1812 and to discuss amendments they wanted to make to the Constitution (they would limit the powers of the federal government). This eventually led to their fall from power, as they lost their political appeal and looked unpatriotic. -
Signing of Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent officially ended the War of 1812. The Americans and British agreed to "status quo ante bellum", which meant all things were to be as they were before the war. All territory that was conquered by the British was to be returned. Because not much changed in terms of land, it can be debated that the war had little purpose. -
Battle of New Orleans (Final Event)
Andrew Jackson led the epic American defeat of the British in the Battle of New Orleans, emerging as a war hero. The American victory at New Orleans was achieved thanks to Jackson's wise choice of location, strict discipline, and determination. It was a happy ending for the U.S., and the Senate unanimously ratified the Treaty of Ghent afterwards.
