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War of 1812
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President Madison takes office
President madison was a quiet and scholarly man. He helped write the constitution. As president he hoped to keep the U.S out of the war. President Madison also helped pass the Bill of Rights. Americans felt Madisons approach was too timid. -
War Hawks take Power
War Hawks were those who were eager for war with Britain. Two strong nationalists Henry Clay of Kentucky and John Calhoun of South Carolina became leaderds in the House of Represenatives. This was an affect of Americans thinking the country's honor was at stake. They felt a new sense of American nationalism. Clay Calhoun and their supporters were called War Hawks. -
Relations with Great Britain worsen
British told U.S they'd continue impressing soldiers. Britain was not willing to meet American demands to avoid war. Fighting with Native Americans affected relations with Great Britain. British supplied weapons to Native Americans. British encouraged Indians to attack settlements. -
Congress declares war on Britain
The House voted 79 to 49 in favor of war. The Senate vote was 19 to 13 in favor of war. Americans discovered winning the war woudn't be as easy as declaring it. Many Americans were excited of the news of war with Britain. Other Americans were upset about the war, they called it "Madisons War". -
America is not ready for war
When the war began Americans were confident they'd win. Jeffersons spending cuts had weakened American military strength. The anvy had only 16 warships ready for action. The army was small. The army had fewer than 7,000 men. -
Invasion of Canada
Before the war began Warhawks demanded an invasion of Canada. They expected Canadians to want to throw off British rule. American troops under General William Hull invaded Canada and Detroit. Hull feared he didn't have enough soldiers and retreated soon. The British commander took advantage of Hulls confusion. His army of British soldiers and Native American warriors surrounded Hulls army and they were forced to surrendor. -
USS constitution scores a victory
A major sea battle fought at the beginning of the war. The USS constitution defeated the British warship Guerriere in a fierce battle. British artillery fire bounced off the ship's thick wooden hull. The ships closed in on eachother for nearly an hour. The Constitution fired a barrage that tore off both of the Gurriere masts. -
Battle on Lake Erie
Nine vessels of the U.S navy defeated and captured 6 vessels of British royal navy. This insured American control of the lake for the rest of the War of 1812. This helped the U.S to break the Indian cofederation of Tecumseh. This also helped U.S recover Detroit. -
Battle of Thames
The Battle of Thames is also known as the Battle of Moraviantown. It was a decisive American victory. The Native American coalition was destructed. Shawnee Chief Tecumseh died. Americans led an assault. -
Horshoe Bend
Andrew Jackson took command of American forces in Georgia. Jackson defeated the creeks at the battle of Horshoe Bend. The treaty ended the fighting, and forced the Creeks to give up millions of acres of land. Native Americans suffered defeat. -
British Blockades American ports
British navy blockaded AMerican ports to stop Americans from trading with other countries. The small U.S navy was unable to break the blockade. Several sea captains still won stunning victories. Victories cheered Americans. Though they did little to win the war. -
Washingotn D.C attacked and burned
The new British strategy was to attack the nations capital. British forces marched into the city. The fisrst lady took the presidents important papers and fled the White House. British set fire to several government buildings, including the White House. The U.S army couldn't defend Washington D.C. This shocked many Americans. -
Writing of the Star Spangled Banner
Francis Scoot Key a young American wrote the Star Spangled Banner. He wrote it as a poem. He watched the attack then saw the American flag , and he knew Americans had won the attack. The poem became popular and was set to music. In 1931 Congress made it the National Anthem of the U.S. -
Attack on Baltimore
The British's first objective was fort McHenry which defended the citys harbor. British warships bombarded the fort throughout the night. Americans beat off the attack. Young american Scott Key wrote "The Star Spangled Banner' from his nights watch of the attack. British firest attacked government buildings in D.C before attacking Fort McHenry. -
Treaty Of Ghent
Britain had tired of war. Peace talks began in Ghent Belgium. The traty returned things toi how they were befor thge war. the treaty was signed in Ghent Belgium. John Quincy Adams summed up the treaty in one sentance. Britain and the U.S agreed to restore prewar conditions -
Hartford Convention
Delegates from around New England met in Aartfort Conneticut. Most delgates were federalists. They disliked the president and war. Delegates to the Hartford Convention threatened to leave the union if the war continued. Delegates debated what to do, but the Peace treaty arrived first. -
Battle of New Orleans
General Andrew Jackson led the forces. Americans won a stunning victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans. It was the final major battleof the war of 1812. General Lambert led British troops, the British wanted to capture New Orleans.
