The War Of 1812

 

Meanwhile the Americans and British fought another war. This war came above partly because, after 1807, the British navy blockaded European ports during the war with Napoleon and they prevented American ships from delivering their cargoes. They also boarded American ships looking for deserters. Some of the men they arrested were not the deserters at all. Finally, some Americans wished to invade Canadian territory. War was declared on 18 June 1812.

 The senators voted 19 to 13 for war. However not all Americans actively supported the war. Some were, at best lukewarm in their support. This discussion weakened the American war effort. On the other hand, American sailors were all volunteers while many sailors in the British navy were forced to join by press gangs. Volunteers were, generally, better than pressed men, one reason why America did well in navel battles.

However, an American attempt to invade Canada failed. However, the American navy had more success. They won a battle on Lake Erie in September 1813. However,Napoleon abdicated in April 1814 allowing a British expedition landed and captured Washington. They withdrew after a few weeks. A peace treaty signed at the end of 1814. However, a major battle was fought after it was signed. The British were severely defeated at the Battle of New Orleans on January 1815.