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Tension with Britain was high when James Madison took office in 1809. Americans were angry at Britain for arming Native Americans in the Northwest.
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Two strong nationalists, Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, become leaders of Representatives , There known as warhawks. Opposition to was was strongest in New England.
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In the spring, the British told told the United States they would continue impressing sailors Native Americans in the Northwest began new attacks on fronteir settlements. In June congress declared war on Britain.
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The war did not come at a good time for the British. Who were still ate war with Europe. Britain was not willing to meet American demands to avoid war with United States was not prepared for war.
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Jefferson's spending cuts had weakened American military strength. The navy had obly 16 warships ready for action. The army also was small,with fewer than 7,000 men.
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In the first days of the war, the British set up a blockade. Of the American coast. By 1814, the British navy had 135 blockading American Ports.
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American troops under General Willaim Hull invaded Canada from Detroit. Hull was unsure of himself. Fearing he didnt have enough soldiers, soon he retreated. General Isaac Brock, took advantage of Hulls confusion. British captured 2000 american soldiers.
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The USS Consitution defeated British warship Guerriere in a fierce battle.
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The American flagship was badly damaged. The American commander, Oliver Hazard Perry; switched to another ship and continued the fight until it was won. Perry won.
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In 1814, the British finally defeated Napoleon. This allowed Britain to more troops across the Atlantic to fight against the United States.
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The new British strategy was to attack the nations capital, Washington D.C the British set fire to several government buildings, inculding the White House.
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Francis Scott Key watched the attack, Key saw the American flag still flying over the fort. Key wrote a poem "The Star-Spangled Banner." It told the story of his nights watch.
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Delegates to the Harford Convention suggested that the New England states secede from the United States. With the war over, the Hartford Convention ended quickly.
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By 1814/ Britain had tired of war, Christmas Eve 1814, the two sides signed the Treaty of Ghent which ended the war.
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The two sides fought one more battle. January 1815, Americans forces under General Andrew Jackson won a stunning victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans.
