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Embargo Act Passed
The Embargo Act was an attempt to stop the British impressment of American sailors, however it was ignored by Britain. It was not an event that happened during the war but is the most commonly cited reason for it happening. -
The United States Declares War on Great Britain
Following the American Revolution, this was the first war that America declared as an independent nation. -
General William Hull invades Canada from Detroit
Much of the beginning of this war was America attempting to take Canada's territory. William Hull was the general that led a portion of the invasion at the head of the Ohio militia. However, the entire event was poorly executed and hastily planned. Hull ended up surrendering at a fort in Detroit after finding that he did not have enough naval or artillery support. -
Fort Michilimackinac surrenders to British-Canadian forces
Another example of an American defeat in this war by losing Mackinac island to the combined force of British, Native American, and Canadian soldiers. This defeat also set off 2 years of combat over the control of Michigan and the Great Lakes. -
The Battle of River Raisin; The River Raisin Massacre
This massacre resulted in roughly 40-60 Americans killed by Britain's Native American allies. The news devastated Americans throughout the nation and created the popular war cry, "Remember the Raisin." -
Burning of Washington D.C.
British troops marched into the city and set multiple landmarks on fire, one of them being the White House. It was especially damaging to the important books and manuscripts that were kept in the locations burned. Although some important pieces were saved, like George Washington's portrait. -
Francis Scott Key writes the first lines of the poem that would become “The Star Spangled Banner”
Inspired by the Battle of Fort McHenry, the poem written by Francis Scott Key was one that would tell a story about the scene of war and the intense challenges faced in order to stand victorious. This poem would eventually get paired up with music and eventually become the national anthem we know today. -
The Treaty of Ghent is signed
The original date that the treaty was signed for and peace was to be established between the United States and Great Britain. -
The Battle of New Orleans
Since news of the treaty took months to arrive in America, the war continued on. However, the battle of New Orleans turned out to be a great victory for the Americans since they had been warned beforehand of Britain's plan and were able to build up defenses. Great Britain suffered large casualties/ injuries while America did not have nearly as much. -
The Treaty of Ghent is declared; the War of 1812 is over
Free trade and impressment were not mentioned in the treaty but the subject was not as disputed as before. No territory was gained or lost from either nation.