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Macon's Bill No.2
In 1809, the decline in trade and federal revenue led Representative Macon to introduce a law that removed all restrictions on commerce with France and Britain. This Macon's Bill No. 2 authorized the president to reapply the principle of non-intercourse to either Britain or France if the other stops violating the neutral rights of the US. France was first to announce their repeal of their decrees against neutral shipping, and Britain refused to repeal the Orders in Council. -
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The War of 1812 length
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Repeal of the Orders and Declaration of War
President Madison realized that unless Britain repealed the Orders, the United States must declare war. A depression in Britain caused by the increasing effectiveness of Napoleon's Continental System led manufacturers to urge the repeal of the Orders in Council. After a change of ministries, the new foreign secretary, Lord Castlereagh, suspended the Orders. However, the United States had declared war five days earlier. -
General William Hull marches forth with 2200 men against the Canadian positions in Detroit
First prong of the three prong attack against Canada's St. Lawrence river lifeline, of which the river would have isolated upper Canada. Hull, facing his men towards Detroit, did this in hoping the Canadian militia would desert, and delayed his assault. In doing this, his communications became threatened by hostile Indians led by Tecumseh. Hull retreats to Detroit. When the Canadians, under General Isaac Brock, pursued Hull, he surrenders without firing a shot. -
Siege of Detroit
British Major Gen. Isaac Brooke and Shawnee leader Tecumseh intimidate and bluff American Gen. William Hull into surrendering the Fort and City of Detroit in MIchigan, with nearly 3000 Americans being captured in Hull's surrender -
Perry Enters the War
Madison assigns Captain Oliver Hazard Perry to build a fleet which could be used to destroy a squadron of British troops on Lake Erie. Perry ended up winning, despite losing 85 of his 103 men that originally went into battle. -
The British Capture Fort Niagara
During this time, the British carried out a surprise attack on the Americans on their Fort Niagara near Lake Ontario. Britain captured the fort, and later burned the town of Buffalo. This conflict led Britain to be one step closer to conquering Canada. -
Battle of Plattsburgh
During this naval battle, the American navy was deemed successful in defeating Britian's navy in the Plattsburgh Bay. This conflict ended British invasion in the north, forcing British troops to retreat back to Canada. -
Batle of Baltimore
A day after Plattsburgh had been won by the Americans, the British launched a land and sea invasion into Baltimore. The battle, lasting 4 days, had ended with British withdrawl and Major Gen. Robert Ross dieing. During the Battle of Baltimore, Star Spangled Banner was written -
General Pakenham set out for New Orleans
Late in November an armada of 60 ships with 11,000 soldiers, commanded by Major General Sir Edward Pakenham, set out to New Orleans from Negril Bay in Jamaica. Instead of sailing directly up from the mouth of Mississippi as Americans expected, Pakenham approached the city by way of Lake Borgne. He advanced close to the city's gates before being detected. Early afternoon on Dec. 23, 3 local planters went to General Andrew Jackson, who was commanding the defenses of New Orleans, with the news. -
The Signing of Treaty of Ghent
Earlier in 1814, both sides had agreed to discuss peace terms. Commissioners were appointed and negotiations begun during the summer at Ghent, Belgium. On Christmas Eve, the treaty, which merely ended the state of hostilities, was signed. -
Battle of New Orleans
While the British waited for reinforcement, planning to take the city the next morning, Jackson armed his men. At 7:30 PM on Dec. 23, Jackson attacked, surprising the British. Jackson strengthened his defenses daily. In Jan. 8, Pakenham ordered an all-out frontal assault. Jackson then formed 3 ranks of riflemen that constantly fired at the British, wounding General Pakenham twice. Pakenham was then killed by a shell fragment, and the British retreated, leading to American victory.
