1812–1815Reputable sourceWell documented
The War of 1812
On the timeline · around 1812–1815 ·
What happened
Angered by British interference with American shipping and the impressment of U.S. sailors, the United States declared war on Britain in 1812. The conflict saw the British burn Washington, D.C., and the American defense of Fort McHenry inspire 'The Star-Spangled Banner'; it ended in a stalemate with the 1814 Treaty of Ghent.
Why it matters
Sometimes called the 'second war of independence,' the war confirmed American sovereignty, fueled a surge of national pride, and — with the defeat of Britain's Native allies — opened the way for further westward expansion.
Sources
- U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. The War of 1812 · Reputable source