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Despite Britain's cabinet changes in June of 1812 and its increasing readiness to yield to the demands of the Americans, Congress voted to declare war, and President James Madison signed the declaration into law on June 18. The war was seen by the U.S. as an opportunity to establish its reputation as a formidable nation as well as greatly expand its territory.
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Although they appeared to be successful to start out with, America's navy was soon defeated by the massive British navy and didn't have much of an effect on the outcome of the war.
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This battle was part of the original American campaign to capture Canada in the war. After driving Canadian General Sheaffe and his troops out of York, American soldiers looted and pillaged the town before burning several buildings. They eventually withdrew from the city.
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Tasked at the start of the war with building a fleet to challenge British control of Lake Erie, Oliver Hazard Perry produced within a year a capable naval unit. In a bloody battle at Put-in-Bay, Perry's competent leadership led his convoy to a decisive victory, gaining both Lake Erie and Detroit for America.
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The Battle of Thames took place in Ontario, Canada. It was an American victory over combined British and Native forces.The British were lead by General Proctor, the Natives were lead by Tecumseh, and the Americans were lead by William Henry Harrison. Tecumseh ended up dying.
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A greatly outnumbered British and Canadian force won a victory over a U.S. squadron. The defeat prompted America to abandon its major strategic effort in the autumn of 1813.
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As the British charged Washington D.C., most members of the American government and many civilians fled the city. The British torched most public buildings and set fire to the White House; however, their control of the capital lasted less than a day, as a tremendous storm put out the fires and Americans were able to recapture the city. This attack is considered the last British success of the war.
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Attacking shortly after dawn, British land and naval forces were crushed by U.S. forces at Plattsburgh, a town beside Lake Champlain. A major American victory, this battle secured the states' northern border.
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After failing to capture Baltimore, the British launched a massive attack on Fort McHenry. Through the night, 1,800 cannon shells rained upon the fort; however, defenders took shelter below the ramparts and sustained only 30 casualties. Francis Scott Key, detained on a British vessel during the attack, watched from the sea and was inspired to write "The Star-Spangled Banner", which would later become our national anthem.
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After heated negotiations in Belgium during the summer, the peace treaty signifying the end of the war was agreed upon. However, due to a lack of communication, several battles still occurred after peace was officially established.
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The battle that ended the War of 1812, it was unnecessary due to the signing of the Treaty of Ghent. The British were lead by General Sir Edward Pakenham and the Americans were lead by Andrew Jackson. It took place in New Orleans and the Americans won.
