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The War of 1812
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France Declares War on Great Britain
On this day, France officially declared war against Great Britain during the French Revolution. This event would cause tensions between the two world powers and the United States, as Britain and France would prevent the United States from interacting with the other country. Each time, the United States would take a hit. Eventually, the United States would feel pressured to declare war against Britain. -
The Non-Importation Act Is Passed
At this time, the non-importation act was passed in order to stop Britain from impressing American sailors and respect American neutrality. However, this backfired and failed, and would become a cause of the war. -
The Chesapeake Affair
On this day, the HMS Leopard, a British ship, stopped the US Frigate Chesapeake off the coast of Virginia. The crew of the Leopard received direct orders to check for deserters on the Chesapeake. However, they were denied an onboard inspection, and as a result, fired on the Chesapeake. About 3 people were killed, and another 18 were injured. The British crew then kidnapped 4 sailors, 3 of whom were American citizens. This event is significant because it would become a cause of the war. -
Orders-in-Council Are Passed
Britain passed these measures on this day in order to prevent neutral nations, America, from trading with enemy ports. Again, the United States felt that their rights as a neutral nation were being abused, and this would be a factor in causing the war. -
Madison Takes Office
James Madison was a Founding Father of the United States. He helped to write the Constitution and pass the Bill of Rights. On this day, Madison was sworn in as the 4th president of the United States. During his presidency, he would mainly face foreign problems. He hoped to stay out of war, but would eventually be pressured to declare war against Great Britain. -
The Battle of Tippecanoe
The Battle of Tippecanoe was between the Native Americans and the Americans. Tecumseh was uniting the Native American tribes and creating a confederation. William Henry Harrison led 1,000 men to Prophetstown to destroy the confederation. Tecumseh was not there at the time, so his brother was in charge with specific orders to not engage in any fights yet. However, he sneakily attacked the Americans. The Americans won, and this would be considered the first engagement of the War of 1812. -
The Official Start of the War
This day marks when the United States officially declared war against Great Britain. James Madison pushed Congress and declared war. However, at the time, Congress had not properly funded or prepared an army. Now, as a new nation, it was time for America to show what kind of country they were. -
The Battle of York
This was one of the first battles of the War of 1812. During this battle, Americans stormed Fort York and defeated the British and their Indian allies. At the end of this battle, Americans ransacked York and burned public buildings and businesses. This would be remembered by the British when they eventually invaded Washington D.C. -
The Battle of the Thames
At the Battle of Thames, the Americans were victorious. However, Tecumseh was killed, and without his skillful leadership, the Native American confederation fell apart. -
Engagement at Horseshoe Bend
Andrew Jackson, a Tennessee militia officer, led his troops during the Creek War. At the Battle of Horseshoe, he and his army were victorious over the Creek Indians. This win made Jackson a Major General and he would shortly be called later for the Battle of New Orleans. -
The Battle of Bladensburg and the Burning of Washington
The Battle of Bladensburg took place in Maryland in 1814. British Army Officer Robert Ross led his 4,500 men and General William Winder organized the American troops. When the British attacked, the American flanks of defense began to crumble, and Americans fled the scene. This opened the capital, Washington D.C., to invasion. The British marched unopposed, and vividly remembering the burning of York, they burned the city, including the White House, Capitol, and Library of Congress. -
The Battle of Baltimore and Siege of Fort McHenry
After the burning of Washington, the British were confident and planned on attacking Baltimore. Fort McHenry was the center of Baltimore's defense. Major General Samuel Smith led the American troops, and Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane led the British troops. The British had to make the fort fall, but the fort withstood the 27 hours of bombardment. The battle ended with a successful defense of Baltimore. During this time, Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics for “The Star-Spangled Banner.” -
The Treaty of Ghent is Signed
On this day, the Treaty of Ghent was signed in Belgium. Britain and the United States agreed that they would restore pre-war conditions. According to John Quincy Adams, "Nothing was adjusted, nothing was settled." -
The Battle of New Orleans
This was the final battle of the War of 1812 and took place from January 8th to January 18th of 1815. Although the treaty was signed, word did not reach the British forces along the Gulf coast in time to stop an attack. Luckily, Andrew Jackson and his troops were waiting for the British led by Sir Edward Pakenham. Within half an hour, the U.S. defenses destroyed the British who retreated. This battle is considered one of the greatest American victories in the War of 1812. -
The End of the War
The Treaty of Ghent was declared on this day, and officially ended the War of 1812.
