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President Madison takes office
When James Madison took office in 1809, tension was high with Britain. To almost all the Americans, the country's honor was at stake. They felt a sense of different nationalism - pride in one's country. -
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The War of 1812
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War Hawks Take Power
Clay, Calhoun, and their supporters were called war hawks - those who were eager for war with Britain. Englanders believed war with Britain would harm American trade. In the spring, the British tol the United States they would continue impressing sailors, -
Relations with Great Britain Worsen
When the war started, Americans were confident that they would win. The navy had only 16 warships ready for action. The army was also small with less than 7,000 men. -
Congress Declares War on Britain
In the first days of war, the British set up a blockade of the American coast. It soon became apparent that the United States was not prepared for war. -
America is not Ready for War
It soon became obvioius that America was not ready for war. Jefferson's spending cuts had weekened American military strenght. The army was very small. -
Britain Blockades American Ports
In the first days of war, the British set up a blockade of the American coast. The British navy had 135 warships blockading American ports. After reinforcing their troops, the British were able to close off all ports. -
Invasion on Canada
Even before the war began, war hawks were demanding an invasion of Canada. American troops under General William Hull invaded Canada from Detriot. He did not know if he had enough soldiers so he soon retreated. -
USS Constitution scores a victory
A major sea battle was faught at the beginning of the war. To Americans, it seemed as if the Constitution were made of iron, According to tradition, American sailors nicknamed the Constitution "Old Ironsides" because British artillery fire bounced off the ship's thick wooden hull. -
Second Battle of Sacket's Harbor
In the erly weeks of the war, the British has seized control of the Great lakes. Captain Isaac Chauncey was ordered to assume command of naval forces on Lake Ontario and Erie. Within three weeks he had directed and brought 149 ship caprenters, 700 Seamen and Marines and about 100 cannons. -
Batle of Lake Erie
During the battle, the American flagship was badly damaged. The American commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, switched to another ship and continued the fight until it was won. -
Battle of Thames
As the British and their Native American allies retreated, the Americans under General William Harrison pursued them. They followedthe British into Canada, defeating them in the Battle of the Thames. Tecumseh was among those who were killed in the battle. -
Battle of Horseshoe Bend
This battle took place in central Alabama. United states forces and Indian allies under colonel Andrew Jackson defeated the Red Sticks. A Creek Indian tribe. -
Battle of Fort Oswego
The Battle of Fort Oswego was a successful British raid on an American fort and village. The British stole a lot of supplies then left the fort. This battle only had 8 warships. -
Washington, D.C Attacked and Burned
As approximitly 4,000 British soldiers approached the majority of Washington fled. Washington D.C was burned to the ground. Americans could not defend Washington. -
Battle of Plattsburgh
The U.S won this war. 14,000 British soldiers were killed and 5,000 Yankees were killed. Britian abandoned all of thier allys. -
Attack on Baltimore and the Writing of the Star Spangled Banner
This battle was a land and sea battle. After D.C the British moved on to Baltimore. The U.S killed the commanding officer of the British. Fransis Scott Key was the main defender of Baltimore. -
Hartford Convention
This undeclared the war with France. The Massachusets legislature spent 1 million dollars to support military. New England supported to expel the western states.
