-
Period: to
The War of 1812
-
President Madison Takes Office
When James Madison took office in 1809, tensions with Britian were already high. Britian was continuing the impressement of American soliders. They had also armed the Native Americans with weapons. -
War Hawks Take Power
John C. Calhoun of South Carolina and Henry Clay of Kentucky became leaders in the House of Representatives. Calhoun, Clay, and their supporters were called war hawks. War hawks are people who supported war with Britain. -
Relations with Great Britain Worsen
In the spring, Britain stated that they would continue the impressement of Americian sailors. The Native Americans that Britain had armed were attacking the frontier settlements. Many Americans felt that it was time for war. -
Congress Declares War on Britain
Congress declares war on Britain, due to the number of conflicts Britain had caused. Many Americains felt that the country's honor was at stake. They felt a new sense of nationalism. -
America is not Ready for War
Jefferson's spending cuts weakened the American military strength. The navy only had about 16 warships ready for war. In addition to that, the army only had around 7,000 men ready to fight. -
Britain Blockades American Ports
During the first few days of war, Britain used warships to blockade the American coast. By 1814, Britain had 135 warships blockading the American port. By the end of the war, Britain had closed the port completley. -
Invasion of Canada
General William Hull and his troops went to invade Canada. However, once they got to Canada, Hull was not confident in his troop's numbers. The British commander, General Isaac Brock, took advantage of this and forced America to surrender. -
USS Constitution Scores a Victory
The USS Constitution defeated the British ship Guerriere at sea. The British fire bounced off the ships wooden hull, making it seem as though the ship was made of iron. This scored an important victory for America. -
Battle of Lake Erie
Both the British and America knew how important it was to control Lake Erie. During the battle, the American ship was damaged so the commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, had to switch to another ship. They continued to fight and eventually, America won the battle. Britian wa forced to retreat into Canada. General Henry Hull followed them, and defeated them in the Battle of Thames. -
Battle of Horsehoe Bend
During the summer, Creek warriors attacked southern American settlements. Andrew Jackson took control of Georgia, and defeated the Native Americans in March of the following year. The treaty that ended the fighting lost the Native Americans a large portion of their land. -
Washington D.C, Attacked and Burned
Britain attacked the capital, Washington D.C. They marched an army into the city. The presidents wife, Dolley Madison, gathered the important papers in the White House and fled. The British set several government buildings on fire. Many Americans could not believe that their country could not defend their own capital. -
Writing of the Star Spangled Banner
Francis Scott Key watched the British attack on Baltimore. At dawn, he saw the American flag flying, meaning that the Americans had defeated the British. He took out an evolpe and began to write a poem (called the Star Spangled Banner) on the back. This poem would later become the national anthem of the United States. -
Hardford Convention
A group of Federalists held a meeting in Hardford, Connecticut to decide what to do aboout the war. Some delegates suggested that the states withdraw from the war. As they debated, they recieved word that a treaty was signed, that had ended the war. The convention ended soon after. -
Treaty of Ghent
The British were tired of war. America met with Britain in Ghent, Belgium to begin talking about peace. On Christmas Eve, both sides signed a treaty that officialy ended the war. -
Battle of New Orleans
News of the treaty took a while to travel. In the meantime, America fought anothor war with Britain The Americans were led by General Andrew Jackson, who won them another victory against Britain.
