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President Madison takes office
Madison took office in March, 1809. While he was in office tensions with Great Britian grew. Americans resented the impressment of American sailors. Also the British were arming Native Americans in the Northwest. -
Period: to
The War of 1812
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War Hawks take Power
The term "War Hawk" was coined by the prominent Virginia Congressman John Randolph of Roanoke, a staunch opponent of entry into the war. two strong naturalists, Henry Clay of Kentucky and John C. Calhoun of South Carolina, became the leaders of the House of Representatives. These two men supported a group called War Hawks. -
Congress declares war with Britain
On June 1, 1812, President James Madison sent a message to the Congress recounting American grievances against Great Britain, though not specifically calling for a declaration of war. After Madison's message, the House of Representatives deliberated for four days behind closed doors before voting (79 to 49) the first declaration of war, and the Senate agreed by 19 to 13. The conflict began formally on June 18, 1812, when Madison signed the measure into law. -
America is not Ready for War
Americans thought that they were ready for war. But they realized that they were not.The united states navy was reduced to of just 16 war ships and only 7,000 menin the army. They knew that they were not ready to go to war with Britain -
Britain Blockades American Ports
The war did not come at a good time for the British, who were still at war in Europe.However, Britain was not willing to meet american demands to avoid war.In the first few days of the war, the British set up a blockade of the american coast.By 1814, the British navy had 135 warships blockading american ports. By reinforcing their troops, the British were able to close off all american ports by war's end. -
Invasion of Canada
American troops invaded Canada, but there general, William Hull feared he may not have enough soldiers so he retreated. The British general, Isaac Brock, took advantage of Hull's confusion and surrounded him and took 2,000 troops. -
Relations with Great Britain Worsen
the relationship with Great Birtian got worse. Native American attacks started to arise and the ongoing impressment of sailors made tensions grow further. -
USS Constitution scores a Victory
The USS Constitution fought a major sea battle. After a long battle the USS Constitution defeated the British warship Gueriere.This was a major victory for the U.S. After the battle sailors nicknamed theConstitution "Old Ironsides" because British artillery fire bounced of the ships thick wooden hull acting as if it were made of iron. -
Second battle of Sackets Harbor
The second battle (or you could just say battle) of Sackets Harbor resumed. The british General resumed attack.Eventually after trying to take the base for the American naval squadron, the British hastily retreated because they could not break the American defenses. -
Battle of lake erie
Both sides of the war were aware that controlling Lake Erie was the key to winning. An important three-hour battle took place at Put-In-Bay, at the western part of the lake. An Amkerican flagship was badly damged so the American commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, switched to a different flagship. He continued to fight until it was won. -
Battle of Thames
Since the Americans were now in control of Lake Erie, The British were forced to leave Detroit and retreat back to Canada. When the British retreated, the Americans pursued them. They followed the British into Canada and defeated them. -
Battle of Horesshoe bend
Native Americans were upset about the defeat in the south. The Natives attacked southern American settlments. -
Battle of Fort Oswego
This battle occured because the British tried to raid Fort Oswego. Lake Ontario was frozen during the early months of 1814. The British and American naval squadrons had built frigates. The British completed their ships before america did, but the American ships were alot more powerful. -
Washington, D.C Attacked & Burned
The British had a new strategy and that was to attack the nations capital, Washingtion, D.C, and on August 1814, they marched a British force into the city.Many government buildings along with the White House were set on fire by the British. 09/01/1814 -
Attack on Baltimore & the writing of the Star Spangled Banner
Francis Scott Key wrote on the back of an old evelope a poem. He called it "Star Spangled Banner" This later became a song and in 1931, it became the national anthem of the U.S. 09/11/1814 -
Battle of Platsburgh
This battle marked the end of the invasions from the north to the northern states. The town of Plattsburgh was converged by a British army and naval squadron.This battle took place shortly before the end of the war with the Treaty of Ghent. -
Hartford Convention
A group of Federalists met in Hartford Conneticut. It was suggested by some delegates that the New England states secede form the United States. -
Treaty of Ghent
Britain had grown tired of war at this time. On the Chirstmas eve of 1814, bith sides signed a treaty, called the Treaty of Ghent.The treaty ended the war.Things went back to normal like it was before the war. -
Battle of new orleans
It took many weeks for the news of the Treaty of Ghent to reach the United States. One final battle was faught during this time, which was The Battle of New Orleans
