Key Figures & Events

Key Figures:

James Madison: Born on March 16, 1751, he was the first U.S. President to ask Congress to declare war, the fourth U.S. President overall, and one of America's founding fathers. When he declared war with Great Britain, he was often facing opposition from Federalists as they all knew America's forces were outmatched by Great Britain's forces. However, America and Great Britain decided to end the battle and later signed the peace treaty. He then died on June 28, 1836.

Drawn Portrait of James Madison:

Key Events:

June 18, 1812: The United States declare war on Great Britain.

The Declaration of War by the Americans Against Great Britain:

General Samuel Smith: Born on July 27, 1752, General Samuel Smith was a United States Senator, Representative from Maryland, Mayor of Baltimore, Maryland, and a general in the Maryland militia. He was also known as the man who lead the Battle of Baltimore, one of the most crucial battle of all time during the War of 1812.

Drawn Portrait of General Samuel Smith:

October 13, 1812: The British won the Battle of Queenston Heights in Canada.

January 22, 1813: When attempting to get to Detroit, the American army was defeated and captured by Britain's forces at Frenchtown on the Raisin River.

April 27, 1813: The Americans were able to capture York, which is now known as Toronto, the Capital of Upper Canada. Afterwards, they proceeded to burn some public buildings.

September 10, 1813: American naval forces won the Battle of Lake Erie, when under Master-Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry.

October 5, 1813: When under General William Henry Harrison, American forces were able to win the Battle of the Thames River.

December 1813: British forces crossed the Niagara River, got a hold of Fort Niagara, burned Buffalo and neighboring villages.

July 25, 1814: American forces then crossed the Niagara River from Buffalo and defeated the British in the Battle of Chippewa.

August 24, 1814: British forces went to Washington, D.C., burned the Capitol, and burned the White House.

September 11, 1814: American naval forces were able to beat the British fleet at the Battle of Lake Champlain.

December 24, 1814: The British and Americans finally sign the Peace Treaty of Ghent, located in Ghent, Belgium.

Document of the Treaty of Ghent:

Francis Scott Key: Born on August 1, 1779, Francis Scott Key was an attorney and poet who wrote the lyrics to the "Star-Spangled Banner," the United State's national anthem. He was inspired to write the lyrics to the "Star-Spangled Banner" when he watched the British naval forces cease their attack at Fort McHenry and lost the battle, where the next morning, American forces held up their flag.

Drawn Portrait of Francis Scott Key:

Andrew Jackson: Born on March 15, 1767, Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States, founder of the Democratic Party, and a major general of the Tennessee militia and the U.S. troops. During the War of 1812, he led U.S. troops for five months to go against the British-allied Creek Indians. Andrew Jackson had then defeated the British, and led his troops to victory. Afterwards, he became the national hero, received a gold medal, and was nicknamed "Old Hickory."

Drawn Portrait of Andrew Jackson:

William Henry Harrison: Born February 9, 1773, William Henry Harrison was the ninth president of the United States, an American military officer and politician, and the last president born as a British subject. During the War of 1812, Harrison was made commander of the Army of the Northwest, thus promoted to major general.

Drawn Portrait of William Henry Harrison:

Major General Sir Isaac Brock: Born on October 6, 1769, Sir Isaac Brock was a Senior British Army officer in Upper Canada when the War of 1812 started. He would lead his troops and become the one who allied with Tecumseh, a Native American leader. He was also known to be a rash person who would immediately attack knowing the enemies are in front. In the end, he was killed by an American soldier after ordering an immediate attack.

Drawn Portrait of Major General Sir Isaac Brock:

John Armstrong Jr.: Born on November 25, 1758, John Armstrong Jr. was an American soldier, a statesmen and delegate of the Continental Congress, U.S. Senator from New York, and the Secretary of War under President James Madison. As Secretary of War, John Armstrong Jr. believed it was his duty to direct soldiers in the field. This resulted in William Henry Harrison to resign due to Armstrong's disregard for chain-of-command procedure. Armstrong then replaced Harrison with militia general, Andrew Jackson without the President's approval. This had angered James Madison, thus giving Armstrong a formal reprimand.

Drawn Portrait of John Armstrong: