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James Madison is inaugurated
James Madison was the president throughout the War of 1812. He was a Democratic-Republican. As a Democratic-Republican, Monroe believed in a weaker federal government and did nothing to replace the navy that Jefferson had destroyed. Also, he didn't do anything to make the government have the power to raise a national army that had power over state militias. -
Madison Declares War
The American people had been pushing for war since the start of their economic depression. By gaining Canada, they could expand their territory and pull themselves out of their depression. Also, with the Native American attack at the battle of Tippicanoe, Madison saw his chance. Winning the war would push Britain out of Canada, forcing them to respect the American's neutral rights and also force them to repeal the Orders in Council. With these incentives, Madison declared war. -
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The War of 1812
This is the official period when the War of 1812 happened. -
American failed 3-pronged attack in Canada
America had planned to launch a 3 pronged attack into Canada in an attempt to push the British out of Canada and take the land for themselves. However, due to multiple factors, the campaign only produced disaster and failure for the United States, forcing them to retreat out of Canada. -
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British Victories
The British victories included the capture of Fort Michilimackinac that helped push the British front, Native Americans capturing Fort Dearborn, and the capture of Fort Niagara and the burning of Buffalo. -
USS Constitution vs the HMS Guerriere
The U.S. victory in the battle of the two ships led to a series of US naval victories. Although didn't effect the outcome of the war, the Americans had increases moral and hopes for the future. -
The Battle of Lake Erie
The Americans won a decisive victory in keeping the British out of Ohio when Oliver Perry won the Battle of Lake Erie. One interesting fact about the battle is that when Perry's flagship was destroyed, he rowed to another ship to continue directing the battle. -
Battle of the Thames
The Battle of the Thames was an American victory in which the United States engaged British troops and the Native American Confederacy that allied with them. William Henry Harrison was able to achieve victory and in the process killed Tecumseh, ending any hope for Native American prominence in America. -
Fall of Napoleon
Napoleon had fallen from power and no longer possessed a real threat in Europe. Therefore, the British were able to focus most of their time and resources on the war effort in the Americas. This was marked by a large influx of troops in a 3-pronged attack on Montréal, Chesapeake Bay, and New Orleans. -
The British burn Washington D.C. and Madison flees the capitol
The British actually burned D.C. in retaliation for the American burning of York (now known as Toronto). In April, Napoleon abdicated the French throne, freeing up thousands of hardened veterans to sail to America, where the disorganized American militias stood almost no chance against them -
The British retreat to Canada
British forces were stopped at Baltimore by General Samuel Smith. The burning of Washington lead to thousands of Americans to enlist in the military. Under General Alexander Macomb and help from Captain Thomas Macdonough an American fleet pushed back General Sir George Prevost, and retreated to Canada -
Star Spangled Banner is written
Francis Scott Key was held captive onboard a british vessel while Fort McHenry was bombed. In the midst of the attack, Key pens the Star Spangled Banner, originally as a poem. Throughout the entire attack, Key was inspired by the American flag still flying after the bombing. He wrote the poem in tribute to the flying flag. -
Treaty of Ghent is signed
The Treaty of Ghent was the official end to the War of 1812. Although peace talk began in the summer, the treaty was officially signed until winter. The United States did not cede any land, while the Native Americans were given most of the Northwest Territory. No concessions on impressment and neutral rights, and Britain had gone back to "status quo ante bellum". This was the official end to the war since this treaty recognized the end of conflict between the two nations. -
The Hartford Convention
The Hartford Convention was a meeting held in New England for the Federalists to start a new plan of attack. Due to the fact that at this convention the Federalists protested the war, they received a large amount of hatred and declined further in power -
The Battle of New Orleans
Although the battle actually had no significant effect on the war, it made a lasting mark in US history. It was the most one-sided battle in the War of 1812. Also, it helped Andrew Jackson rise to fame and popularity, which ended in him becoming president.
