The War of 1812
- For the first time in its history in June of 1812, the United States officially declared war on Great Britain. There was a lot of pride and criticism toward this decision. Madison was supported and received a lot of pride from his own political party, the democratic-republican party. On the other hand, a lot of criticism was shown toward this idea by the opposing political party, the Federalist party. Federalists nicknamed this war "Mr. Madison's War."
The War of 1812 did not come at a good time for Great Britain, as Britain was fighting another war in Europe. This sparked American confidence and patriotism, but it soon became apparent that Great Britain was not prepared to be defeated without a fight. - After numerous tense battles, Great Britain attempted to end the war with a significant attack on our nation's capital, Washington D.C. On August 24, 1814, British troops marched in and set fire to various government buildings including the White House. Fortunately, President James Madison and wife Dolley Madison had already fled long ago. All over the United States news fled of the British attack on Washington, and many Americans were startled to learn that their military could not defend their capital.
- By the year of 1814, Great Britain was tired of fighting. Talks about peace took place in Ghent, Belgium. On December 24 (Christmas Eve) 1814, America and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Ghent. Interestingly enough, this treaty restored things to the way they had been prior to the war.
- Although the war was technically over, America did not want to quit fighting without a bang. On January 1815, General Andrew Jackson led American forces in Louisiana and won an astonishing victory over the British in the Battle of New Orleans.