The War of 1812

The War of 1812

Let's look at how the war started


How It Began

George Washington and his Continental Army secured the liberty of the United States. However, those liberties would be threatened again.

After the Revolutionary War was over and America was free, it found itself again at odds with England in what is known as the War of 1812. The new, young country of America hoped to continue to expand by claiming land in what is now Canada, which was occupied by the British.

The British successfully protected Canada from American invasions.

  • September 11, 1814

    After the British forces protected Canada, they made their way down to the United States to attack. American soldiers fought bravely for their land and defeated the British once again, forcing them to retreat.
  • The British taking over

    After defeating the United States at the Battle of Bladensburg, General Ross of the British Army marched into Washington D.C., and burned everything down.
  • Defending Fort McHenry

    After leaving Washington D.C., General Ross attacked at the Battle of Baltimore but was killed. Despite all odds, the Americans defended Fort McHenry.
  • War at McHenry

    Major John George Armistead had commissioned Mary Young Pickersgill to make a very large Star Spangled Banner garrison flag that was hoisted over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore. Major John George Armistead wanted the flag to be so large that the British could see it from very far away.
  • Creating the Anthem

    After 25 hours of straight terror, the American flag was still flying proudly. A lawyer named Francis Scott Key was so delighted with joy and relief that he began to write a poem that would live on for years to come as the national anthem of his great country.

After many tough battles, there was a hero rising up for America. The future seventh President of the United States, General Andrew Jackson was a hero of the war of 1812.


Andrew Jackson

Jackson was a lawyer born in colonial Carolina. He also served as a Tennessee Supreme Court Justice before becoming a commander in the Tennessee military. He had many great accomplishments during his time in the military but is best known for defeating the British at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.

He would become the 7th President of the United States in 1828