The War of 1812

Canada’s role in the War of 1812 In the onset of war, Canada became what would be thought of as an important military target for the Americans Held British forces that were attempting to recruit Indians British forces were weak and spread thinly across the country The American plan however, consisted of dividing their forces and attacking three separate targets in Canada. This took away the advantage the Americans would have had over the dispersed British troops. Each section of the attack was pushed back soon after they had crossed the Canadian border.

Naval Battles for the Great Lakes With several more military attempts thrown out of Canada in 1813, America decided a naval attack via the Great Lakes would be a better option. In many ways, fighting in the Great Lakes gave the advantage to the Americans. Ships were often handled more efficiently by crews that were not resentful over their presence on the ship American ships were better constructed as well; ie, the Constitution or “Old Ironsides” These superiorities became great boosts to American morale, and even led to some ground victories like the Battle of the Thames, just north of Lake Erie However, for the large part, American forces remained a defending force, not an invading one.

British Invasion (not the Beatles or Stones) As America remains a defending force, the British prepare an invading one. With Napoleon defeated and exiled to the isle of Elba, the British can now commit their full military resources to America Britain had amassed some 10,000 troops for an attack which they had hoped would be a crushing blow to the Americans. This attack was to be directed through the Great Lakes and Rivers leading into New York With no roads or pathways, the British were forced to bring supplies via frigates on Lake Champlain. These ships were sunk in an historic battle led by Thomas Macdonough. This victory forced the British to retreat

Burning of Washington A large British force landed in the Chesapeake Bay area while the majority of American forces were dealing with the British along the Canadian border and Great Lakes. All that remained was a poorly assembled militia in Blandensburg, Virginia. British quickly marched through Washington and burned the majority of the public buildings, including the Capitol and White House.

Fort McHenry and the “Star Spangled Banner” The British also attempted to take Fort McHenry, near Baltimore. Bombarded the fort throughout several days, but could not take the fort. A captured American, Francis Scott Key, watching the battle from a British ship, was inspired to write the Star Spangled Banner

Assignment Describe the events and effects of the battles in Washington and New Orleans. List and describe the aspects of the Treaty of Ghent