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The War of 1812
After the British stole American sailors to be in their own British Navy, James Madison called for war against Great Britain. The war was fought on U.S. territory. In August 1814, the White House burned to the ground. U.S. national confidence was boosted when American troops repulsed invasions in New York, New Orleans, and Baltimore. The war ended in December, 1814, and the Treaty of Ghent was ratified on February 17, 1815. -
Hull's Proclamation
General William Hull issued the first military action in the War of 1812; this was an attempt to invade Canada. He had hoped that the Canadians would side with American forces during the war, but the Canadians' disapproval caused him to march his troops right back over the border, where he surrendered to General Brock and Shawnee chief Tecumseh in Detroit on July 16th. -
Siege of Detroit
Major-General Sir Isaac Brock allied with Shawnee chief Tecumseh of the Native American forces in order to lead the British troops to victory against the United States. William Hull surrendered, yet again. -
Battle of Queenston Heights
This battle was a victory for British and Canadian forces against the Americans, who were yet again attempting to invade Canada. However, it was also a loss for the British, as the British Commander Isaac Brock was killed. -
Battle of Chateauguay
On the shores of the Chateauguay River near the U.S.-Canada border, Canadian troops led by Charles de Salaberry battled American forces led by Wade Hampton. Salaberry led his Canadian men to victory, even with half the men that the American Army held. -
Battle of Stoney Creek
In May, the American forces had crossed the Niagara River and captured Fort George. American troops reached Stoney Creek, and British forces held a surprise attack, thanks to Billy Green's warning that the Americans were there. The Americans retreated to Forty Mile Creek. -
Laura Secord's Journey to Beaver Dams
Laura Secord is considered to be a Canadian heroine. After overhearing that the Americans were going to hold a surprise attack on the British at Beaver Dams, she walked approximately 30 kilometers from Queenston to Beaver Dams in order to warn James FitzGibbon. FitzGibbon was then able to persuade the American forces to surrender. Her trek has become legendary. -
The Battle of the Thames
Oliver Hazard Perry became the first man to capture an entire British fleet in this battle. His technique was unorthodox and they caused Proctor to fleet. Tecumseh was killed on the battlefield. This was an American Victory under Perry. -
Battle of Lundy's Lane/Niagara Falls
This was one of the bloodiest battles of the war. After arduous fighting, American General Brown and his officers debated as to whether they should go back to Chippawa or to hold the position on Lundy's Lane. The winner of this battle is not clear, which makes it a significant aspect of the war. -
Siege of Fort Erie
The British needed to control Lake Erie in order to receive their supplies. For this reason, they had to defeat the American fleet under Oliver Hazard Perry. British Commodore Robert Barclay attacked the American fleet, but he was defeated and forced to surrender. This was a large victory for the Americans. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent was the peace treaty that ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. It was signed on December 24th, 1814. The treaty gave each country the land that it owned before the war began. The event proved to other nations that the United States was able to fend for itself, since Great Britain was the country that used to control the land of the United States. This is why the war was called the "Second War for Independence."