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Jefferson beat out Adams for president
During Thomas Jefferson's second term, the British were fighting the French. They were impressing American sailors because they needed more sailors. The Americans were enraged because the British were blockinig trade with France, so they decided to wage war with Britian in the middle of Britain's war with France. -
Madison is elected after Jefferson's terms are finished.
During Madison's term he prohibited trade with both France and Britain. He allowed it only when both agreed to keep America neutral in the war. He declared war on Britain in 1812 because of the impressment of American sailors, and so starts the War of 1812. -
America closes trade with Britain
America closes off trade with the United Kingdom because they have been impressing Americans to fight for the Royal Navy. America is upset becasue they don't have the finances to wage war yet, so they are trying to stay neutral in this conflict. Which eventually does not succeed as America had hoped. -
President Madison declares war
During this time the British's actions, and their (Britain's) war with France had forced the Americans to declare war on them. The Americans decided to attack Britain now because they had to pool all their resourses together to fight France. They wouldn't have expecting America to attack with such force. -
The Battle of York
The Battle of York was fought at York, Upper Canada, and was started by the Americans. They looted the towns and were the cause of many fires because they wanted to take it from British command. -
Andrew Jackson takes Horsehoe Bend
General Andrew Jackson takes Horseshe Bend from the Creek indians because they were opposed to American expansion. This battle was against the Red Sticks, a part of the group opposed to expansion. This battle effectivly ended the Creek War. -
Burning of Washington
General Robert Ross was sent to destroy America's capital and break their will to fight them once more. Britain has defeated Napoleon and now can focus on America. They sent over ships to keep America in it's place as a small insignifigant country. -
Treaty of Ghent signed
The Treaty of Ghent officially ended the War of 1812. Though since they couldn't get the message up to Madison quicky, he launched a victorious battle on New Oleans, after the war was officially over. It was noted as one of America's greatest victories during the war.
