War of 1812

The War of 1812 was a conflict fought between the United States and the United Kingdom from 1812 until 1815. It took place during the Napoleonic Wars.

The war started because of British interference with American shipping and impressment of American sailors. The British were also inciting the Indians to rebel and establishing forts in the Midwest, hoping to extend their influence there.

It ended up being a draw. American invasions of Canada were repulsed, and the British burned the American capital in Washington, D.C. The Americans repulsed a British attack on Baltimore, expelled the British from the Midwest and defeated their Indian allies, and won the Battle of New Orleans shortly after the Treaty of Ghent was signed, but before the news reached the area. Although Canada failed to be integrated into the United States, the war cemented American independence and relegated the British to being minor players in the New World.