The War of 1812 Overview and Key Events

These flashcards cover key terms and events related to the War of 1812, including causes, major battles, treaties, and their significance.

War of 1812

A conflict fought between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815, marked by issues such as maritime disputes and impressment.

Impressment

The act of forcing individuals into military service, notably British forces compelling American sailors into the Royal Navy.

Treaty of Ghent

The agreement signed on December 24, 1814, that ended the War of 1812 and restored pre-war borders.

Era of Good Feelings

A period following the War of 1812 characterized by political stability, national pride, and territorial expansion.

Battle of Queenston Heights

The first major land engagement of the War of 1812 on October 13, 1812, resulting in a British victory.

Battle of Lake Erie

A significant naval victory for the U.S. on September 10, 1813, which secured control of Lake Erie.

Star-Spangled Banner

The national anthem of the United States, inspired by the American defense of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.

Battle of New Orleans

A decisive American victory fought on January 8, 1815, after the Treaty of Ghent was signed, boosting American national pride.

British capture of Washington, D.C.

The event in August 1814 when British forces invaded and burned significant buildings, including the Capitol and the White House.

Native American Alliances

Collaborations between Native American tribes and British forces to resist U.S. territorial expansion during the War of 1812.

War of 1812

A conflict fought between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815, marked by issues such as maritime disputes and impressment.

Impressment

The act of forcing individuals into military service, notably British forces compelling American sailors into the Royal Navy.

Treaty of Ghent

The agreement signed on December 24, 1814, that ended the War of 1812 and restored pre-war borders.

Era of Good Feelings

A period following the War of 1812 characterized by political stability, national pride, and territorial expansion.

Battle of Queenston Heights

The first major land engagement of the War of 1812 on October 13, 1812, resulting in a British victory.

Battle of Lake Erie

A significant naval victory for the U.S. on September 10, 1813, which secured control of Lake Erie.

Star-Spangled Banner

The national anthem of the United States, inspired by the American defense of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.

Battle of New Orleans

A decisive American victory fought on January 8, 1815, after the Treaty of Ghent was signed, boosting American national pride.

British capture of Washington, D.C.

The event in August 1814 when British forces invaded and burned significant buildings, including the Capitol and the White House.

Native American Alliances

Collaborations between Native American tribes and British forces to resist U.S. territorial expansion during the War of 1812.

War Hawks

A faction of young, aggressive congressmen, primarily from the South and West, who strongly advocated for war against Great Britain in the early 1810s.

James Madison

The fourth U.S. President who led the country during the War of 1812 and officially declared war.

Chesapeake-Leopard Affair

A naval engagement in 1807 where the British warship HMS Leopard attacked the American USS Chesapeake, seizing American sailors and escalating tensions with Britain.

Burning of York

An American raid in April 1813 that resulted in the burning of the capital of Upper Canada (present-day Toronto), which later served as a justification for the British burning of Washington D.C.

Fort McHenry

A coastal fort in Baltimore, Maryland, whose successful defense against British bombardment in September 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner'.