The War of 1812

Updated August 5, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

Also see the encyclopedia entry on the War of 1812

British interference with American trade, impressment of American seamen, and “War Hawks” drive for western expansion lead to war. American attacks on Canada foiled; U.S. Commodore Perry wins battle of Lake Erie (1813). British capture and burn Washington (1814) but fail to take Fort McHenry at Baltimore. Andrew Jackson repulses assault on New Orleans after Treaty of Ghent ends war (1815). War settles little but strengthens U.S. as independent nation.