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James Madison- Decleration of War
The Senate passes the declaration of war against Great Britain requested by President James Madison. Two weeks earlier, the House of Representatives passed a similar war. -
Period: to
War of 1812
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Massachusetts and Connecticut Refuse War
The governor of Connecticut, Roger Griswold, announces that his state's militia will not serve in the war against Britain and Massachusetts Governor Caleb will do the same. -
Surrender of Detroit
The first major battle of the War ends in disaster for the United States when General William Hull, leading an American army of 2200 men, surrenders to British forces at Detroit without firing a single shot. -
United States Captures Macedonian
Captain Stephen Decatur, commanding the USS United States, captures the Macedonian, a British warship. -
Madison Reelected for president
James Madison is elected to a second term as president of the United States. -
Battle of Lake Erie
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White House Burned
British forces capture Washington, D.C. The White House, the Capitol, and executive department offices are burned. -
American Victory at Lake Champlain
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"The Star Spangled Banner."
The British attack on Baltimore inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star Spangled Banner." -
Treaty of Ghent
Britain and the United States sign the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812. The treaty calls for the return of all prisoners of war and captured territory, and the return of slaves seized during the war by the British, and a commitment from both nations to end the international slave trade.
