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France declares war on Great Britain
France declares war on Britain as Napoleon begins his conquest. This is important because this conflict is what started the disagreements and frustrations that led to the war of 1812. Photo credit to Britannica -
Embargo act is passed
The embargo act was an act that ceased all foreign trade with France and Britain. This was meant to punish those countries for interfering with American trade, but it ended up hurting the American colonies due to smuggling and the fact that there was less income overall. Photo credit to Monticello -
James Madison is sworn in as President
James Madison is elected and sworn in as President of the United States of America. This is important because his action and inaction are what led us to and through the war of 1812. Photo credit to The White House -
The American frigate USS President fire on the Britsh sloop HMS Little Belt
USS President fires at HMS Little Belt believing is to be a different ship that had impressed US sailors to work in the British military. Both sides reported that the other fired first and their shots were retaliatory. This was one of the events that built tension between the US and Britain before the war of 1812. Photo credit to Wikipedia. -
The United States declares war on Great Britain
The United States declares war on Great Britain due to the latter not respecting American trade, as well as forcing some American sailors into the British army. This led to several important things in American history, such as Andrew Jackson becoming popular, and the cementation of America as a world player. Photo credit to Britannica. -
General William Hull invades Canada from Detroit
Captain Hull invades Canada in the hope of conquering and claiming the land for America. He made a proclamation basically saying that the United States was better than Britain and they came to liberate Canada. The people living in Canada however didn't mind living under British rule. Photo credit to American Battlefield Trust -
Great Britain declares war on the United States
This officially marked the beginning of the war for all of those in Great Britain. From then on out, the battles would be more intense and there would be more support for and from the British side. Photo credit to Society of the Cincinnati. -
Francis Scott Key writes the beginning of the Star Spangled Banner
After the successful defense of fort Mchenry, Francis begins writing the beginning of the Star Spangled Banner, our now national anthem. This poem would then become a song of patriotism that is played and sang everywhere in America. Photo credit to History.com -
The treaty of Ghent is signed
The treaty of Ghent is signed, thus ending the war. This treaty cemented the legacy of the United States, turning them into a world player. This marks the official end of the war of 1812, and the start of friendly relations between the US and Europe. Photo credit to Wikipedia -
The Battle of New Orleans
This battle cemented into place Andrew Jackson's legacy and positive view in the eye of the public. He had an overwhelming victory over the British, and as such, his popularity grew to extreme proportions. This made him popular enough to be elected president in a few years. Photo credit to History.com