War of 1812

War of 1812‏‎

The War of 1812 was a military conflict that lasted from June 18, 1812 to February 18, 1815, fought between the United States of America and the United Kingdom, its North American colonies, and its Native American allies. The war resolved many issues which remained from the American Revolutionary War but involved many battles and caused significant casualties.

Causes

The war was instigated by issues that included trade restrictions brought about by the British War with France, the impressment of American merchant sailors into the Royal Navy, British support of Native American tribes against American expansion, outrage over insults to national honor after humiliations on the high seas, and possible American interest in annexing Canada.

Major Battles

Major battles of the War of 1812 include the Battle of Lake Erie, where the American navy defeated the British and took control of the lake, and the Battle of New Orleans, which was a decisive victory for the Americans and occurred after the peace treaty was signed.

Treaty of Ghent

The war ended with the Treaty of Ghent, signed on December 24, 1814. The treaty returned all territorial conquests made by the two sides, and recognized the pre-war borders of both countries.

Aftermath

The War of 1812 had significant impact on the future of North America. It marked the end of British efforts to check American expansion in the West, and it gave rise to a new sense of national identity in both the United States and Canada.

See Also

• American Revolutionary War
• Treaty of Ghent
• Battle of Lake Erie
• Battle of New Orleans