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War Of 1812

United States vs. Great Britain

1812-1815

Result: Draw

Causes

During the Napoleonic Wars, the Royal Navy interfered with American commerce by stopping and searching merchant ships. Some of the sailors on these ships were arrested and impressed? into the Royal Navy even though they were Americans.

The British had also failed to withdraw from the Midwest as promised following the American Revolution, and were arming the Indians? for attacks on the advancing American settlements.

Highlights

• Washington, DC? was burned by the British.
• Baltimore was successfully defended at Fort McHenry?, inspiring Francis Scott Key? to write the Star Spangled Banner?.
• The Battle of New Orleans was an American victory, General Andrew Jackson commanding. Jackson would later go on to become the seventh U.S. President.
• The USS Constitution?, a large frigate?, successfully raided British commerce.