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The Orders in Council Passed
Britain passed the Orders in Council in 1807, which allowed their navy to seize goods on American ships and even impress sailors. This was one of the major American reasons for going to war with Britain. -
The War Hawks Call for War
The War Hawks were young congressional leaders, who throughout 1811 to 1812 increased the American frenzy to go to war by calling for war against Great Britain as the only way to defend national honor and end impressment -
The American War Council Convenes
By 1811, the tensions with Britain had come to a head and many Americans considered war with the country their only option in order to prove their status as a legitimate country to be respected and taken seriously. The American War Council convening was the first real step towards war. -
Tecumseh Leads Indian Resistance
The Battle of Tippecanoe was intended for the Indians to drive the whites off Indian land but the battle ended and shattered their confederation. Tecumseh and the Indians began to resist Americans and instead support and aid Great Britain in the war. -
America Declares War on Great Britain
The turning point in the diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Great Britain was in June 1812, when America finally declared war against Britain. This was actually shortly after the Battle of Tippecanoe, but still represented the official beginning of the war. -
The Battle of Lake Erie is Fought
Captain Oliver Hazard Perry destroys British fleet in Lake Erie. -
Tecumseh's Death Occurs
Tecumseh dies at the Battle of Thames -
Britain Attacks Washington D.C.
Only able to execute an attack in the Chesapeake Bay, the British took on a new approach by marching rapidly into the capitol and putting public buildings to the torch. -
The Star Spangled Banner
The Star Spangled Banner was created when British were starting to come on the offensive and attacked Baltimore. It was influenced by an American flag that he noticed survived a whole night throughout a battle and was still waving, signaling the sign of victory. -
The Terms of the Treaty of Ghent Are Created
The Treaty of Ghent was the official end to the war of 1812. It was created in the Netherlands, and though not technically ratified until February 1815, it was in 1814 that British and American diplomats agreed to stop fighting and already agreed to return to the ceasefire before the war.
