The War of 1812
Resentment for Britain's interference with American international trade combined with the American expansionist visions led Congress to declare war with Great Britain on June 18th, 1812. Although the American army was mostly defeated by the British, the American Navy proved quite a success. The Navy scored victories in battles on the Great Lakes and some battles on the Atlantic. On August 24th, 1814, British troops marched into Washington D.C. and burned down important building's in American culture: the White House and the Capital Building. On September 13th, 1814 British warships fired bombs and rockets on Fort McHenry, which protected Baltimore, Maryland's harbor. It continued for 25 hours. This bombing was the inspiration to America's national anthem the "Star Spangled Banner," written by Francis Scott Key who was a prisoner on a British warship.
The Treat of Ghent, an armistice "ending" the war, was signed on December 24th, 1814. It returned all conquests made by both sides to their original owners. However, it did not address the issue of impressment, which was one of the major components to the start of the war. The treaty was signed in Ghent, Belgium across the waters from the United States.
Although there was no true victor to the War of 1812, a battle happened after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent which put nationalism and pride into the hearts of Americans. It made us believe that we were the true victors of the war. The Battle of New Orleans was that battle. Lead by Andrew Jackson, 7,000 sailors, militiamen, and Frenchmen attacked the 8,000 British militia. The British made the mistake of trying to achieve a full frontal assault. They were badly defeated, killing 2,000 within the first half-hour. As a result of this war, Andrew Jackson was named a national war hero (giving him the notoriety he needed to become a future leader in the nation) and nationalism was a common theme in American life.
(amhistory.si.edu) (usconstitutionmuseum.org) (American Pageant)
The Treat of Ghent, an armistice "ending" the war, was signed on December 24th, 1814. It returned all conquests made by both sides to their original owners. However, it did not address the issue of impressment, which was one of the major components to the start of the war. The treaty was signed in Ghent, Belgium across the waters from the United States.
Although there was no true victor to the War of 1812, a battle happened after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent which put nationalism and pride into the hearts of Americans. It made us believe that we were the true victors of the war. The Battle of New Orleans was that battle. Lead by Andrew Jackson, 7,000 sailors, militiamen, and Frenchmen attacked the 8,000 British militia. The British made the mistake of trying to achieve a full frontal assault. They were badly defeated, killing 2,000 within the first half-hour. As a result of this war, Andrew Jackson was named a national war hero (giving him the notoriety he needed to become a future leader in the nation) and nationalism was a common theme in American life.
(amhistory.si.edu) (usconstitutionmuseum.org) (American Pageant)