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Star Spangled Banner
A poem titled, "The Star Spangled Banner", was written. This poem became a popular song in 1931. -
President Madison takes Office
Tension with Britain tightened when President Madison took office in 1809. Americans were angry at Britain for arming Native Americans. Britain continued to impress American sailors. -
War Hawks take Power
The War Hawks were Democratic Republicans who persuaded Congress into supporting the war. Opposition to the war was strongest in New England. Many New Englanders thought war would harm American trade. -
Relations with Britain Worsen
In spring, Britain told America they would continue to impress the sailors. Native Americans who were supported by Britain began attacking frontier settlements. -
Congress Declares war on Britain
The war did not come at s good time for the British, who were still at war with Europe. Britain was not willing to meet American demands to stop impressing sailors to avoid war. -
America isn't ready for war
America only had 17 warships ready for battle. Jeffersons' spending cuts made the navy weak. -
Britain Blockades American Ports
The British had 135 warships blockading American ports.They had blocked off all of them by the end of the war. -
Invasion of Canada
American troops under General William Hull invaded Canada from Detroit. Hull was unsure of himself. Fearing that he did not have enough troops, he retreated. -
Battle of Lake Erie
Americans had better luck on lake Erie. Both sides were aware of how important controlling the lake was. -
Battle of Horseshoe Bend
In 1814, Jackson defeated the British troops at the battle of Horsehoe Bend. -
DC attacked and burned
The British took all President Madison's important papers and burned several government buildings, including the White House. -
Hartford Convention
A series of meetings where the Federalists complained about the War of 1812 and their concerns that the federal government was becoming too strong. -
Treaty of Ghent
By 1814 Britain was tired of the war. On December 24, 1814 they signed a peace treaty in the Flemish city of Ghent ending the war.
