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Signing of the declaration of war.
James Madison signs the declaration of war on Britain. The cause being British impressment on American ships. Many Americans felt that war would have a very negative effect on the country. -
Repeal of The Orders of Council
Many manufacturers blamed the loss in economics on the loss of many American markets from the Orders of Council. They gradually pushed the government to repeal the act. The new Foreign Secretary, Lord Castlereagh finally suspended the orders five days after America declared war. -
Surender of Fort Detroit
Large American and Indian forces were gathering outside of Fort Detroit's walls, making General William Hull lose faith in protecting their fort. He eventually surrenders his troops and Fort Detroit over to the British. His militiamen were allowed to return home, while the United States's troops were to become prisoners to Canada. Great Britain gained what was known as the Michigan territory. -
USS Constitution vs. HMS Guerriere
Captain Isaac Hull of the USS Constitution sortied with the HMS Guerriere. The battle took place near the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. The superiority of the American vessels led to an American victory. -
USS United States vs HMS Macedonian
Captain Stephen Decatur on the USS United States forced the British ship the HMS Macedonian to surrender. British losses were over a hundred while the Americans lost only a few dozen. The Macedonian was then taken to New Jersey as a prize. -
Burning of Newark
Canadian volunteers turn against the British and side with the Americans to burn the houses of Newark. The American Secretary of War felt that Newark would be a great point of defense for Fort George and incited the attack. This action led to the many attacks on civilian towns for both the British and the Americans. -
Washington D.C. Burning
The British troops were swifter than those of General William H. Winder's troops, who had already been captured by the British. He turned a blind eye as the British marched onto Washington D.C. and burnt most of its buildings, including the White House. Afterward, they attempted to capture Baltimore, but were stopped by General Samuel Smith's forces. -
Star Spangled Banner Song Created
While Washington D.C. was under siege, Francis Scott Key bore witness while on a British ship. He watched the siege as twilight faded and rockets went off. At the end, he noticed the American flag still flying in the air. -
Battle of New Orleans
In November, the British armada sent ships of 11,000 soldiers to attack the American forces at New Orleans. The British decided to take a different path than what the Americans had expected to do a surprise attack. American forces commanded Andrew Jackson to be their major general. Jackson ultimately led the Americans to a victory. -
Treaty of Peace and Amity is signed.
American representatives and Britain sign a peace treaty in Ghent, Belgium. Gave the Great Lakes region to the Americans. It did not solve the two other causes of the war.
