A few Facts about the War Itself
- In order to strike at Great Britain quickly, the U.S. attacked Canada, a British colony at the time. They were faced with good defenses coordinated by Sir Isaac Brock. The attack resulted as a failure when the Americans were chased out of the area by British and Native American forces.
- After the Battle of Lake Erie (1813), the Americans had gained firm control of the Northwest Territory. Many naval battle were won by the Americans because of the ships being made of iron. However, when the British defeated Napoleon, they could turn their full attention to their war with America. One of the first things the British did, was storm in through Chesapeake Bay, capture Washington D.C. and burn the White House down.
- The United States did not necessarily want to go to war. In fact, Congress was split on the issue, but the votes were slightly skewed. This was the first time Congress had ever declared war under the Constitution.