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The Americans were angry at the Britain for arming Native Americans in the Northwest . They resented the continued impressment of American sailors . The Nation was not prepared to fight , its forces took a severe trouncing . The British entered Washington and set fire to the White House and the Capitol .
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Clay , Calhoun , and their supporters were called war hawks . Many new Englanders believed war with Britain would harm american trades .
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Britain was not willing to meet American's demands to avoid war . Providing Native Americans with support was one way protecting Canada .
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Jefferson's spending cuts had weakened American's strength . The Navy had only 16 ships ready for action .
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The British Navy had 135 war ships . Blockading American ports after reinforcing British troops , the British were able to go and help out .
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Before the war even began , War Hawks were demanding an invasion . They were expecting the Canadians to throw off the British rule .
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The USS Constitution defeated the British warship guerieve in a fierce battle . According to tradition , sailors helped named the Constitution .
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American forces had better luck on Lake Erie . Both sides were aware of the importance of controlling the lake . During the battle , the American flagship was badly damaged .
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Jackson defeated the Creeks at the battle of Horseshoe Bend . The treaty that ended the fighting force the Creeks to give up millions of acres of land .
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The British set fire to several government buildings , including the White House . Americans were shocked that their army could not defend Washington .
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On the back of an old envelope , Key wrote a poem that he called The Star Spangled Banner . It talked about his nights watch .
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While the delegates debated , news of the peace treaty arrived with the war over , the Hartford convention ended quickly .
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Peace talks began in Ghent , Belgium . On Christmas Eve , 1814 , the 2 sides signed the treaty of Ghent , which ended the war .
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American for us under General Andrwe Jackson won a stunning victory over the British at the battle of New Orleans .