-
When James Madison took office, tension between the United States and Britain was high. Americans were upset because Britain had continued the impressment of American sailors, and because Britain had armed Native Americans.
-
-
Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun became leaders in the House of Representatives. They and their suporters were called war hawks. They were eager for war with Britain.
-
In early 1812, relations with Britain got worse. Not only were they still impressing American sailors, but the Native Americans that they armed were now attacking frontier settlements.
-
Britain's continuous impressment of American sailors and Native American attacks led Congress to declare war on Britain.
-
Jefferson's spending cuts had weakened the miltary. It was soon clear that the United States was not prepared for war.
-
Britain set up a blockade on the American coast. By 1814, ther were 135 British warships blockading American ports.
-
From Detroit, American troops invaded Canada. Leading them was General William Hull, who surrendered, resulting in the capture of over 2,000 American soldiers.
-
A major sea battle took place in the North Atlantic ocean. The USS Constitution defeated the British warship Guerriere.
-
A three hour battle took place at Put-In-Bay. The American flagship was damaged, and the commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, had switched ships to continue the fight until it was won.
-
Creek warriors had been attacking southern settlements. In the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, they were defeated by Andrew Jackson.
-
The British marched into Washington and burned several government buildings, including the White House.
-
Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star Spangled Banner" on the back of an envelope while watching the British attack Fort McHenry. It told the story of the night's watch.
-
A group of Federalists met in Hartford. Some deligates wanted the New England states to secede, but as the war ended, so did the convention.
-
On Christmas Eve, 1814, both sides signed the Treaty of Ghent to end the war.
-
It took several weeks for news of the treaty to reach the United States. As a result, Andrew Jackson fought and won one last battle in New Orleans.
