Why War Was Declared
Impressment of American sailors, the seizure of neutral ships, and British support for Native resistance on the frontier finally pushed a divided Congress, at President Madison's urging, to declare war on Great Britain.
Read why war came →The Events & Battles
The war, year by year
From the opening invasion of Canada to the great victory at New Orleans — every major engagement on land and at sea.
illustration — Hull Invades CanadaHull Invades Canada
The Americans opened the war by invading Canada — and were soon forced to surrender Detroit.
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illustration — Essex vs. AlertEssex vs. Alert
The USS Essex captured the HMS Alert in one of the war's first naval actions.
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illustration — Constitution Defeats the GuerriereConstitution Defeats the Guerriere
“Old Ironsides” destroyed the HMS Guerriere, electrifying the young nation.
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illustration — Battle of Queenston HeightsBattle of Queenston Heights
US forces were defeated by the British near Niagara Falls.
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illustration — United States vs. MacedonianUnited States vs. Macedonian
Stephen Decatur's USS United States captured the frigate HMS Macedonian.
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illustration — Constitution vs. JavaConstitution vs. Java
The USS Constitution defeated yet another British frigate, the HMS Java.
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illustration — Battle of the River RaisinBattle of the River Raisin
US forces were defeated and many prisoners massacred — “Remember the Raisin!”
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illustration — Hornet vs. PeacockHornet vs. Peacock
The USS Hornet sank the HMS Peacock in a swift sloop action.
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illustration — York CapturedYork Captured
American forces captured and burned the British base at York (Toronto).
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illustration — Fort Meigs Withstands SiegeFort Meigs Withstands Siege
US forces held out against a British and Native siege at Fort Meigs.
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illustration — Capture of Fort GeorgeCapture of Fort George
Americans attacked and captured the British Fort George on the Niagara.
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illustration — Chesapeake vs. ShannonChesapeake vs. Shannon
The HMS Shannon defeated the USS Chesapeake — “Don't give up the ship.”
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illustration — Fort Stephenson DefendedFort Stephenson Defended
A small US garrison repelled the British attack on Fort Stephenson.
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illustration — Fort Mims MassacreFort Mims Massacre
Fort Mims was overrun by Creek warriors and its inhabitants massacred.
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illustration — Boxer vs. EnterpriseBoxer vs. Enterprise
The USS Enterprise captured the HMS Boxer off the coast of Maine.
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illustration — Battle of Lake ErieBattle of Lake Erie
Perry's decisive victory: “We have met the enemy and they are ours.”
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illustration — Battle of the ThamesBattle of the Thames
The Americans won a decisive victory; the Native leader Tecumseh was killed.
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illustration — Jackson's Creek CampaignJackson's Creek Campaign
General Jackson launched his campaign against the Creek Nation.
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illustration — Battle of Crysler's FarmBattle of Crysler's Farm
A smaller British force defeated the American advance near Montreal.
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illustration — Fort Niagara CapturedFort Niagara Captured
The British took Fort Niagara and went on to burn Buffalo.
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illustration — Battle of ChippewaBattle of Chippewa
The Americans decisively defeated the British in open battle.
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illustration — Battle of Lundy's LaneBattle of Lundy's Lane
One of the bloodiest battles of the war ended in stalemate.
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illustration — Washington BurnedWashington Burned
The British captured and burned Washington, then withdrew.
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illustration — Battle of Lake ChamplainBattle of Lake Champlain
An American naval victory at Plattsburgh halted the British invasion from Canada.
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illustration — Battle of BaltimoreBattle of Baltimore
Fort McHenry held — inspiring “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
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illustration — Wasp Captures 10 ShipsWasp Captures 10 Ships
On a single cruise the USS Wasp took ten British vessels before vanishing at sea.
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illustration — Treaty of GhentTreaty of Ghent
The United States and Great Britain signed the treaty that ended the war.
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illustration — Battle of New OrleansBattle of New Orleans
America's greatest victory — won by Andrew Jackson after the war had officially ended.
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