The War of 1812
June 18, 1812- February 18, 1815
Causes of the War of 1812
Even though the British had a tough loss after the American Revolution, they still wanted to have control of the colonies. Britain may have lost 13 colonies in America, but it retained Canada and land in the Caribbean, Africa, and India. It began to expand in these regions, building what has been called the "Second British Empire," which eventually became the largest dominion in world history(thoughtco). Knowing that they had a passage through to the colonies, Britain attempts to restrict U.S. trade, the Royal Navy's impressment of American seamen and America's desire to expand its territory(history). War Hawks in the Congress then voted to declare war, it was divided, but eventually war was declared by President Madison.
The First Major Battle
The Battle of Baltimore/Siege of Fort McHenry
The Battle of Baltimore and the British siege of Fort McHenry took place on September 13th and 14th in 1814 amid the larger War of 1812. The war was between the United States and the British forces. The United States under Major General Samuel Smith comprised of 1000 men at Fort McHenry who had 20 guns, against the British forces under Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane. The British were more well equipped with 19 ships and about 5,000 men. The British advanced to attack Baltimore, a vital port city that they believed was the base of many American privateers that were preying on their shipping. Baltimore's residents and defenders had declared their firm stance against the British by seizing their merchant ships and transporting limited cargoes to foreign ports. (argis)
