The Start of a War
The War of 1812 was a battle between the United States and Great Britain. Most people only know it as the war that inspired America's national anthem. It was actually the war that gave the United States credibility between other nations, and the first war declared by Congress. This was because the two nations were still having disagreements even after Great Britain recognized the United States as an independent country. A great quantity of American citizens wanted to go to war with the British because of things such as international trade and plans for expansion caused them to butt heads once again.
The Fighting Begins
The War of 1812 lasted 32 long months, and during this time, the US and Great Britain fought many battles. One of the events of the War of 1812 includes the sea battle between the USS President & the USS Congress vs. the HMS Belvidera. On June 23, 1812, the British frigate "Belvidera" had came across three American frigates. Being previously warned of war being declared between the two nations, they attempt to flee without conflict. The American ships had other plans though. The commander of the US squadron, Commodore Rodgers, orders the USS President and the USS Congress to go after the British ship. This encounter is considered an American victory due to the fact that the HMS Belvidera retreated after facing off with the USS President and seeing the USS Congress quickly approaching them. The first major battle of the war, though, was when US General William Hull led an army of 2200 men into Detroit, only to surrender without even a shot being fired. This was because Hull believed that what they were up against were superior forces. A little deeper into the war, on October 13, 1812 General Stephen Van Rennsselear led US troops into Canada across the Niagara River. This was the 2nd major battle that of the war. The troops were meant to face off with the British in Queenston Heights, Ontario. Soldiers of the New York state militia refused to follow Van Rennsselear into battle because they were only required to fight on New York soil. As a result, the United States loses the Battle of Queenston Heights and many soldiers are captured. On September 10,1812, more than a year after the war had begun, the battle of Lake Erie gave hope to the US. CLed by Captain Oliver Hazard Perry, 10 ships to face off against 6 British vessels, resulting in a 10 hour battle. In the end, the United States emerged victorious, giving them control of Lake Erie for the rest of the War.
Burning of the Capitol
After the British had defeated Napoleon and had resolved the war with France, they turned their full attention to the United States. The biggest loss of America was when on August 24, 1814, British troops marched into Washington D.C. and set fire to the White and and Capitol Building. The United States was left devastated. Secretary of War, John Armstrong, was blamed for the incident and was forced to resign from his position.
Ending the War
It was on December 24, 1814 when the War of 1812 would come to an end. After about 2 years of fighting, the United States and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Ghent. The content of the document called for the return of prisoners of the opposing side and any territory that was captured, so no territory was gained for either side. The agreement of both nations to end international slave trade was also included in the treaty and return the slaves that were taken during the war. The treaty pardoned the Native Americans that took part in the war as well.
The Battle of Trenton
After negotiations had reached an agreement on a treaty in Europe, the United States had won its greatest victory of the war. The news of the treaty had not yet reached the United States. On January 8, 1815, General Andrew Jackson led 5000 American troops to fight off invading British troops of 7500. Jackson became a national hero and would go on to become the 7th President of the United States.
The War of 1812 was a battle between the United States and Great Britain. Most people only know it as the war that inspired America's national anthem. It was actually the war that gave the United States credibility between other nations, and the first war declared by Congress. This was because the two nations were still having disagreements even after Great Britain recognized the United States as an independent country. A great quantity of American citizens wanted to go to war with the British because of things such as international trade and plans for expansion caused them to butt heads once again.
The Fighting Begins
The War of 1812 lasted 32 long months, and during this time, the US and Great Britain fought many battles. One of the events of the War of 1812 includes the sea battle between the USS President & the USS Congress vs. the HMS Belvidera. On June 23, 1812, the British frigate "Belvidera" had came across three American frigates. Being previously warned of war being declared between the two nations, they attempt to flee without conflict. The American ships had other plans though. The commander of the US squadron, Commodore Rodgers, orders the USS President and the USS Congress to go after the British ship. This encounter is considered an American victory due to the fact that the HMS Belvidera retreated after facing off with the USS President and seeing the USS Congress quickly approaching them. The first major battle of the war, though, was when US General William Hull led an army of 2200 men into Detroit, only to surrender without even a shot being fired. This was because Hull believed that what they were up against were superior forces. A little deeper into the war, on October 13, 1812 General Stephen Van Rennsselear led US troops into Canada across the Niagara River. This was the 2nd major battle that of the war. The troops were meant to face off with the British in Queenston Heights, Ontario. Soldiers of the New York state militia refused to follow Van Rennsselear into battle because they were only required to fight on New York soil. As a result, the United States loses the Battle of Queenston Heights and many soldiers are captured. On September 10,1812, more than a year after the war had begun, the battle of Lake Erie gave hope to the US. CLed by Captain Oliver Hazard Perry, 10 ships to face off against 6 British vessels, resulting in a 10 hour battle. In the end, the United States emerged victorious, giving them control of Lake Erie for the rest of the War.
Burning of the Capitol
After the British had defeated Napoleon and had resolved the war with France, they turned their full attention to the United States. The biggest loss of America was when on August 24, 1814, British troops marched into Washington D.C. and set fire to the White and and Capitol Building. The United States was left devastated. Secretary of War, John Armstrong, was blamed for the incident and was forced to resign from his position.
Ending the War
It was on December 24, 1814 when the War of 1812 would come to an end. After about 2 years of fighting, the United States and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Ghent. The content of the document called for the return of prisoners of the opposing side and any territory that was captured, so no territory was gained for either side. The agreement of both nations to end international slave trade was also included in the treaty and return the slaves that were taken during the war. The treaty pardoned the Native Americans that took part in the war as well.
The Battle of Trenton
After negotiations had reached an agreement on a treaty in Europe, the United States had won its greatest victory of the war. The news of the treaty had not yet reached the United States. On January 8, 1815, General Andrew Jackson led 5000 American troops to fight off invading British troops of 7500. Jackson became a national hero and would go on to become the 7th President of the United States.