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The War of 1812

A conflict between the United States and Britain (1812–1815) caused by trade restrictions, impressment of sailors, and frontier tensions.

Chesapeake Affair

An 1807 incident where the British ship HMS Leopard fired on the USS Chesapeake and impressed several American sailors, enraging the U.S.

War Hawks

A group of young, nationalistic politicians in Congress who pushed for war with Britain to expand U.S. territory, especially into Canada.

Henry Clay

A leading War Hawk from Kentucky and the youngest Speaker of the House at 34, who strongly advocated for war with Britain.

John C. Calhoun

A War Hawk from South Carolina who later became one of America’s most influential political figures.

Tecumseh

The Shawnee chief who led a Native American confederation to resist U.S. expansion and allied with the British during the War of 1812.

Tenskawatawa

Tecumseh’s brother, known as “The Prophet,” who helped unite frontier tribes against U.S. settlers.

Battle of Tippecanoe

An 1811 battle where U.S. forces under William Henry Harrison defeated Tecumseh’s confederation, weakening Native resistance.

Gen. William Henry Harrison

Governor of the Indiana Territory who led U.S. forces to victory at the Battle of Tippecanoe and later the Battle of the Thames.

Battle of Lake Erie

A major American naval victory in September 1813 that gave the U.S. control of Lake Erie and forced the British to retreat.

Battle of the Thames

An 1813 battle in which U.S. forces under Harrison defeated the British and their Native allies; Tecumseh was killed.

U.S.S. Constitution

A U.S. Navy frigate undefeated in combat during the War of 1812, nicknamed “Old Ironsides,” still in active commission today.

Creek War

A regional conflict (1813–1814) between U.S. forces and the Red Stick faction of the Creek Nation, connected to the War of 1812.

Red Sticks

A militant faction of the Creek Nation that wanted war with the U.S. and allied with the British during the War of 1812.

Red Eagle (William Weatherford)

The main leader of the Red Sticks who fought against Andrew Jackson’s forces in the Creek War.

Ft. Mims Massacre

An 1813 attack by Red Stick Creeks on Fort Mims, Alabama, killing most of the settlers and sparking the Creek War.

Andrew Jackson

American general who led forces to victory against the Red Sticks at Horseshoe Bend and the British at New Orleans; later became president.

Battle of Horseshoe Bend

A decisive 1814 battle where Andrew Jackson’s forces defeated the Red Sticks, ending major Creek resistance.

Treaty of Ft. Jackson

An 1814 treaty in which Andrew Jackson forced the Creeks to cede two-thirds of their land to the U.S. after the Creek War.

Burning of Washington DC

The 1814 British attack that destroyed much of the U.S. capital, including the White House and Capitol; a national humiliation.

Siege of Ft. McHenry

The failed 1814 British assault on Baltimore that inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Hartford Convention

A 1814–1815 meeting of New England Federalists opposing the War of 1812; discussed possible secession from the U.S.

Battle of New Orleans

A major U.S. victory led by Andrew Jackson in January 1815 against the British, fought after the peace treaty was signed.

Treaty of Ghent

The 1814 treaty that officially ended the War of 1812, restoring prewar boundaries between the U.S. and Britain.