Lesson 17: War of 1812

Impressment

British practice of forcing American sailor into their navy

HMS Leopard

British warship that attacked the USS Chesapeake in 1807.

USS Chesapeake

American ship fired upon by the British Leopard, angering Americans.

Embargo Act 

1807 law banning U.S. trade with foreign nations to avoid war.

Election 1808

James Madison elected president, succeeding Thomas Jefferson.

James Madison

4th U.S. President; led the nation during the War of 1812.

Non Intercourse Act

Replaced the Embargo Act; reopened trade with all nations except Britain and France.

Zebulon Pike

Replaced the Embargo Act; reopened trade with all nations except Britain and France.

York

Canadian capital (now Toronto) captured and burned by U.S. forces in 1813.

Burning of Washington D.C.

1814 British attack during which the Capitol and White House were burned.

Dolley Madison

First Lady who saved George Washington’s portrait before the British burned the White House.

White House

Presidential residence burned by the British in 1814 and later rebuilt.

Baltimore

City successfully defended from British attack during the War of 1812.

Fort McHenry

Fort that defended Baltimore; inspired the U.S. national anthem.

Congreve Rockets 

British weapons used during the attack on Fort McHenry.

Francis Scott Key

Wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” after witnessing the attack on Fort McHenry.

Defense of Fort McHenry

Poem by Francis Scott Key that became the U.S. national anthem.

Treaty of Ghent

1814 treaty ending the War of 1812; restored prewar boundaries.

Battle of New Orleans

Final major battle of the War of 1812; U.S. victory led by Andrew Jackson.

Andrew Jackson 

War hero of New Orleans who later became the 7th U.S. President.