The War of 1812

The Beginning Warhawks - those who supported war (many came from the west, those in Northeast with business ties to Britain were less eager). June 18, 1812 – President James Madison asks Congress to declare war on Britain.

1st Phase: (1812-1814) Britain too busy with France. Blockades American coast. Though American Navy was small, won stirring victories, boosting American confidence. Triumph on Lake Erie: Sept. 1813 – British force sets out to attack Americans. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (Am.) forced British to surrender after 2 hours of fighting.

2nd Phase: (1814-1815) British defeat French and turn full attention on the U.S. August 1814 – President and other officials flee Washington, D.C. as Brits attack. British burn the White House and the Capitol Building

Battle of Baltimore - British attack Fort McHenry After the battle, American flag was still flying, prompting Francis Scott Key (a Washington lawyer) to write a poem called “The Star Spangled Banner” Battle of Lake Champlain – Sept. 1814 American fleet defeats British attempt to cut off New England from the rest of the U.S.

Battle of New Orleans: Dec Battle of New Orleans: Dec. 1814 – dozens of British ships (carrying 7,500 troops) approached the Louisiana coastline. Americans patch together an army, under the command of General Andrew Jackson British attack Jan. 8, 1815 – American riflemen shoot at advancing troops  huge victory for Americans (71 vs. 2,000 casualties) However, Battle does NOT affect course of the war. Slow mail from Europe had delayed news of the Treaty of Ghent – which had ended the war 2 weeks ago!