The War of 1812 – Timeline of Events
1806
1807
1808-09
1810
1811
1812
1813
1814
12/24/14
1815
Napoleon announces his Continental System that sets up a blockade to
slow all trade to Great Britain. Great Britain responds with their Orders in
Council that blockades French trade. American neutral shipping negatively
impacted by both programs.
The Chesapeake Incident strains US-British relations. Jefferson and
Congress announces the Embargo Act.
James Madison is elected President. The Embargo Act is repealed and
replaced by the Non-Intercourse Act.
Young Congressmen from the South and West (the warhawks) are elected
to Congress and begin to become leaders. Some important warhawks
include Henry Clay (KY) and John Calhoun (SC).
Shawnee Confederacy and Tecumseh begin to organize resistance to US
expansion in the western territories. Indian efforts supported by British in
Canada. William Henry Harrison attacks Shawnee camp in Battle of
Tippecanoe. Macon’s Bill no. 2 amended to Non-intercourse Act. French
accepts the offer and Great Britain threatens force.
Madison and Congress declare war against England with no Federalist
support. The British agree to end impressment, but too late. American
Army begin to move on Canada and in the West. Navy is beginning to be
built in the Great Lakes. Early US invasions into Canada are easily
defeated by British and Canadian forces.
The first American victories: Battle of Lake Erie by Oliver Hazard Perry
and The Battle of Thames by William Henry Harrison where Tecumseh is
killed. The British Navy controls the Atlantic coast and dominates the
smaller US ships.
In March, Andrew Jackson helps to control the South by defeating Creek
Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. In April, Napoleon is defeated
and the British sent all forces to US. In August, British overrun
Washington DC – Capitol is burned. In September, Battle of Fort McHenry
fought in Baltimore. Poem “Star-Spangled Banner” written in response.
New England Federalist unhappy with the war meet at the Hartford
Convention to discuss possible secession. Peace talks begin in Ghent,
Belgium.
Treaty of Ghent is signed – An armistice (or cease-fire) is declared. In the
agreement no land changes hands and no agreement on impressment is
reached.
Andrew Jackson defeats a large British force British at the Battle of New
Orleans on Jan. 8th. Treaty of Ghent arrives in Washington DC. Federalists
delegates from Hartford bring ultimatum for James Madison to end the war
or else.