War Begins In June 1812, the United States declares war on Britain. America was unprepared for war! Why?

1. Weakened Military U.S. military force consisted of roughly 7,000 trained army troops and 50,000 militia. Jefferson’s spending cuts vastly decreased the size of America’s army and navy. The great military leaders from the American Revolution were now too old for warfare

2. Underestimated Enemy America underestimated the strength of the British and their Native American allies.

War Begins The United States begins their war campaign July of 1812. U.S. tries to take portions of Canada immediately, however, the attempt was unsuccessful.

War at Sea While the United States Navy was very small at the time, we still had some the fastest warships on the seas USS Constitution “Old Ironside”

Key Victories In September 1813, the United States has some major victories.

Battle of Lake Erie Commander Oliver Hazard Perry successfully takes Lake Erie from the British. “We have met the enemy and they are ours.”

Battle of the Thames William Henry Harrison kills Tecumseh in the “Battle of the Thames”.

Battle of Horseshoe Bend In March 1814, a Tennessee planter named Andrew Jackson attacked the Creek Indians in central Alabama. Andrew Jackson’s forces slaughtered more than 550 Creeks at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.

The British Fight Back In May 1814, Britain had defeated Napoleon in Europe. Now they could send more troops to the United States.

The Capital is Lost! In August of 1814, the British (with a large military force) march into Washington D.C.. The capital and the presidential mansion were burned to the ground. President Madison and his cabinet are forced to flee.

Baltimore Surprisingly, the British do not remain in Washington D.C.. They leave in an attempt to take over Baltimore. Baltimore was prepared! The U.S. blocked the port and had 13,000 militia waiting at Fort McHenry.

Rockets’ Red Glare Fierce fighting occurred. During the battle, a young man by the name of Francis Scott Key noted “finally by the dawns early light the U.S. flag was still standing at the fort. Key wrote “The Star Spangled Banner” which was based on this battle.

Another Victory for the U.S. In the north, the United States won another key battle at Lake Champlain. British troops were forced to retreat to Canada. After the battle of Lake Champlain, Britain decided the war in North America would be too costly.

The War Ends In December 1814, the war finally ends with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent.

Battle of New Orleans Before word of the treaty was sent to the United States, there was one last ferocious battle. Andrew Jackson led U.S. forces in victory in the Battle of New Orleans

Battle of New Orleans The Battle of New Orleans takes place in January of 1815. The redcoats were no match for Jackson’s army who were equipped with sharp shooters and snipers. In addition, Jackson hired Native Americans, French citizens living in New Orleans, and pirates to fight in this battle. The battle was short but gruesome. Hundreds of British soldiers were killed. Jackson becomes a national hero thanks to this battle and will later become president.