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The Period of Impressment
The British practiced the policy of impressment, forcing people to join its navy, against American sailors. This policy outraged American citizens and politicians, as the British targeted neutral ships. The British justified impressment by claiming that the Americans were British citizens, as the United States was a relatively independent country in 1803. The period of impressment marked the beginning of anti-British sentiment in the early nineteenth century. -
Battle of Thames
General William Henry Harrison, led an army of 3,500 American troops against 800 British soldiers and 500 American Indian warriors along the Thames River in Ontario, Canada. This war lead to an American victory, since the British fled after they advanced, and since Tecumseh died on the battlefield -
The Battle of Tippecanoe
A battle where General William Henry Harrison and his thousand soldiers began boldly marching to Tecumseh, the Shawnee Chief, and his camp, which was along the Tippecanoe Creek. This made the Indians living in the land disillusioned and lose their confederation, since they were recruiting by the time they came over -
U.S congress declares war on the British
The United states congress wrote and signed a declaration of war on Britain. Congress unanoumosy voted to pass the declaration after the British refused to stop seizing American vessels. -
The capture of York by the Americans
York was an enticing target for the Americans. Although the town was the capital of Upper Canada and the province’s government buildings were located there, it was only weakly defended. A squadron of American warships bore down upon the town of York, situated on the northwest corner of Lake Ontario. The Americans after a relatively short scermish took York, this was a a pivotal lesson moment of the war. -
Battle of Lake Erie
United States Captain Oliver Hazard Perry lead a fleet of nine American ships to victory over six British warships. This was the first unqualified defeat of the British navy in history. -
The British burn Washington, D.C.
General Robert Ross and his troops defeated American militiamen the Battle of Bladensburg, Maryland, then marched to Washington, D.C. The British ate dinner in the deserted White House, and began setting the city aflame shortly thereafter. This acted as revenge for the burning of Canadian government buildings, which was committed by American troops earlier in the war. General Ross ordered a withdrawal from Washington, D.C. on August 26. -
"The Star Spangled Banner"
Francis Scott Key wrote this poem(later to be the national anthem) during the British Naval attack on Fort McHenry. America held out against British assault, this spelled out courage to Key and so he wrote "The Star Spangled Banner". -
The Treaty of Ghent
This treaty documented the peace and terms for the end of war agreements. "status quo ante bellum" left things as they were prewar, and British no longer needed to utilize impressment. -
Battle of New Orleans
Jackson and his men defended New Orleans against Pakenham and the British. The battle took place after the treaty had been signed, Jackson was victorious, and he was celebrated for triumph. Though peace had already been made, this was the final step to show that war was officially over, with this being the last battle in the war of 1812.
