-
Napoleonic Wars (NSD)
This conflict between Britain and France led to each country attempting to block the other's trade with the United States (and therefore block off the US assistance) which led to tense relations between the US, France, and England. -
Chesapeake-Leopard Incident
This affair between the USS Chesapeake and the HMS Leopard led to the Chesapeake surrendering and four crewmen being forcefully taken into British custody in their process called impressment. In this, the British claimed to be looking for deserters and subsequently hung one of the crew taken, creating extremely tense relations between the US and Britain. -
The Embargo
This act made all exporting and importing in the United States to any foreign nation illegal. It was put into effect to force Britain and France to respect American rights during the Napoleonic Wars and protect the new American manufacturers, but it ended up hurting the economy. -
Non-Intercourse Act
This replaced the Embargo of 1807 and allowed trading with any foregin nation besides France and Britain, to help the American economy while still harming those of France and Britain. -
Americans Seize Baton Rouge
Americans living in the South wanted the United States to take Spanish Florida because there were many border threats from Indians, slaves could escape across the border, and it included valuable ports. In 1810, Americans seized the Spanish fort Baton Rouge and President Madison agreed to annex it to the U.S. and plan to acquire the rest of the Spanish territory in Florida. By their desire for Florida, territory owned by Britain's ally, Spain, this heightened motivation for war with Britain. -
"War Hawks" Increase War Fever (NSD)
In the congressional elections of 1810, a large number of representatives that were in favor of a war with Britain were elected, especially from the Northern and Southern borders of the U.S. They were strong in their feelings of nationalism and desire for expansion, forming a powerful force in favor of war. -
Battle of Tippecanoe
This battle was fought between the United States and the Shawnee Indians led by Tecumseh near present day Lafayette, Indiana. The defeat of Native Americans led to the burning of Prophetstown and eventual westward expansion into Indiana. -
Americans Invade Canada Through Detroit
This was one of the failed attempts that America had to invade Canada, and an early defeat but a beginning to the War of 1812. -
Americans Burn York
The United States began to make progress with attaining the Great Lakes in 1813, and the first one was Lake Ontario, which they used in April of 1813 to invade and burn down York, the capital of Canada. -
Battle at Put-In-Bay
The next lake that the American forces gained control of was Lake Erie. Under Oliver Hazard Perry, they were able to fight back a British Fleet at Put-in-Bay, making another invasion of Canada through Detroit possible. -
Battle of the Thames
William Henry Harrison entered Canada through the Thames River, and a battle with Indians ensued that ended in the death of Native American leader Tecumseh, greatly weakening the tribes who were trying to push back the Americans. -
Battle of Horseshoe Bend
When the Creeks began attacking white settlers around the Florida border, Andrew Jackson and his men got revenge by slaughtering men, women and children in a very bloody battle and forced the Creeks to move farther westward. -
British Burn the White House
American soldiers burned down York and in retaliation, British soldiers burned the white house. James Madison had left the White House on August 22 to meet with his generals on the battlefield as the British threatened to attack the capitol. His wife Dolley Madison saved many important documents and artifacts from this fire as she ran out. -
Battle of Plattsburgh
American forces turned back a British invasion in northern New York which secured the northern border for the United States. -
Fort McHenry
Fort McHenry is best known for defending the Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British navy in Chesapeake Bay. To push back the approaching British fleet, the Americans sunk ships to block the entrance to the harbor and requiring the British to fire from a distance. -
Francis Scott Key Writes the National Anthem
Francis Scott Key wrote the National Anthem during the battle at Fort McHenry as he was stuck on a ship as the fighting went on. After seeing the flag on the fort still flying, he proudly wrote "The Star Spangled Banner," a poem at that point, on the back of an envelope. Eventually, this was put to the tune of an old English drinking song. However, it did not become our national anthem until 1931. -
Jackson Seizes Pensacola
After Jackson defeated the Creeks, he went on to lead his men farther south into Florida and seized the Spanish fort at Pensacola, acquiring more of Florida for the United States from the Spanish who were British allies. -
Hartford Convention
Delegates from the New England states met in Connecticut to discuss their grievances concerning the War of 1812. The convention discussed secession but it reasserted the right of nullification and proposed seven amendments to the Constitution in which were designed to protect New England from the growing influence and strength of the South and the West. -
Treaty of Ghent
This was a peace treaty after the War of 1812. American’s desire for the British to end their impressment and to acquire Canada. However, the Americans gave up their demands. The British also abandoned their demand for the creation of an Indian buffer state in the Northwests. The treaty, in whole, left most things the same. -
Battle of New Orleans
This was last major conflict of the War of 1812 in which Andrew Jackson and his men defended against an array of British soldiers. The British advanced on Jackson and his men, but were too exposed and suffered heavy losses. The news that a peace treaty had been signed earlier did not arrive until after the battle was over. -
Commercial Treaty
This treaty resumed trade with Britain and the British Empire after the War of 1812.