The War of 1812 began on June 18th, 214 years ago, when the United States declared war against Great Britain for the second time. What started as a minor beef over maritime rights soon became the North American theater of England’s battle against Napoleon.
In the early 19th century, Britain was embroiled in armed conflict with France, specifically Napoleon. To diminish him, London cut off his ability to trade with the USA. The Royal Navy began seizing American vessels, even forcing some US citizens into the English Navy. On June 17, 1812, Congress adopted a resolution of war against the UK.
President James Madison signed the legislation one day later. The Americans launched a three-point invasion of Canada, part of the British Empire, with limited troops and ships. Each campaign was a total failure.
By 1814, Napoleon’s empire was collapsing. The British allocated more military resources to the American war on August 24.
The English raided Washington, D.C., burning down the White House, the Capitol, and other federal buildings.
The Greatest American Victory
The tide turned in September, after a series of decisive losses in upstate New York. The English retreated back to Canada. The US and UK signed a peace treaty on Christmas Eve, 1814.
In total, 15,000 Americans died in battle, and 10,000 British were killed in action.
The Royal Navy stationed along the Gulf Coast was totally unaware that any agreement had been reached two weeks after the armistice. US forces under the command of Andrew Jackson successfully defended the city of New Orleans. The battle was the greatest American victory in the War of 1812, and it happened after the treaty was signed
