The War of 1812

War Begins! American military was small and not prepared to fight the British! Started in July of 1812 when General William Hull led the U.S. army from Detroit into Canada and was met by Tecumseh & his warriors  Hull surrendered /videos#americans-and-british-face-off- in-war-of /videos#americans-and-british-face-off- in-war-of /videos#americans-and-british-face-off- in-war-of-1812

Privateers U.S. navy was small compared to the British navy. The U.S. relied on privateers, an armed private ship, to help in the war.

Washington D.C. is attacked August 1814 the British attacked & burned the city (including the President’s mansion) Dolley Madison (James Madison’s wife) saved important documents Dolley Madison (James Madison’s wife) saved important documents

Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner after he saw the American flag still flew over Fort McHenry after it was attacked.

Treaty of Ghent 1814 in Ghent Belgium – ended the War of 1812 didn’t change existing borders or mention impressment

Andrew Jackson slaughtered the Creeks Became famous in the Battle of New Orleans.

After the war, some members of the Federalist party met at what would be known as the Hartford Convention. They were unhappy with the war from the start and even discussed secession. Their complaints were viewed as unpatriotic by most Americans and weakened the Federalist party even more. But the Federalist views of a strong national government was carried on by the War Hawks (Republicans).