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President Madison takes office
James Madison was an American Statesman and political theorist. Tension with Britain was high when he took office. Americans were angry at Britain for arming Native Americans in the northwest. -
War Hawks Take Power
War Hawks were eager for war with Britain. Opposition to war was high in New England. Many New Englanders beleives it war would harm trade. -
Relations with Great Britain Worsen
Relations with Britain worsened in the early months of 1812. Britain told the United States they would keep impressing sailors. In june, Congress declared war on Britain. -
Congress Declares War with Britain
the war came at a bad time for the British. They were at war with Europe at the time congress declared war. Britain wasnt willing to meet Americans demands to end war. America was confident that they would win the war. -
America is not Ready for War
America was not ready for this war. Jeffersons spending cuts had weakened the Americans military. The navy had only 16 warships ready to fight. Only 7,000 men for war. -
Britain Blockades American Ports
Britain blockaded American ports at the beginning of the war. The British had 135 warships blockading American ports. There was a major sea battle at the beginning of the war. -
Invasion of Canada
Even before the war began, War Hawks were demanding war on Canada. They thought Canadians would welcome the chance to throw off British rule. American troops invaded Canada from Detroit. General william hull was concerned he didnt have enough soldiers so he retreated. -
USS Constitution scores a victory
American forces had better luck at Lake Erie. A three hour battle took place. Their warship was badly damaged and the commander went to another boat and continued fighting till they won. -
Battle of Lake Erie
Both sides were aware of the importance of controlling Lake Erie. A three hour battle took place at Puy-In-Bay. During the battle the American flagship was badly damaged. -
Battle of Thames
British and Native Americans retreated in this battle. The Americans defeated the British in this battle. Tecumseh was killed in the Battle of Thamas. -
Battle of Horseshoe Bend
Andrew Jackson took commander of American forces in Georgia. Andrew Jackson defeated the Creek Warriors in this battle. The treaty that ended the war made the Creeks give up millions of acres of land. -
Washington, D.C Attacked and Burned
The British had a new strategy to attack the nations capital. The british marched into Washington D.C. and burned many government buildings. The presidents wife, Dolley Madison, Gathered all the important papers and fled the white house. -
Attack on Baltimore and the Writing of the Star Spangled Banner
The Britishes first objective was to capture Fort McHenry. British warships had bombed the house throughout the night. The American flag was still on the fort though. America had fought of the attack. -
Hartford Convention
This is where a group of Federalists met. Some delegates suggested New England secedes from the United States. While delegats debated, news of a peace treaty arrived. -
Treaty of Ghent
British was tired of war. They had a peace talk in Ghent Belguim, On Christmas eve the two sides signed the Treaty of Ghent which ended the war. -
Battle of New Orleans
The News of the Treaty took several weeks to get to the US. Inbeetween that time period there was one more battle. it was called the battle of New Orleans. America won the war with the General Andrew Jackson.
