The War of 1812 Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key figures, events, and terminology of the War of 1812.

Battle of Tippecanoe

An engagement where Harrison attacked Prophetstown, after which a defeated Tecumseh joined the British.

War Hawks

Young Republicans such as Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun who favored war with Britain, wanted Canada and Florida, and supported increased military spending.

Nationalism

Loyalty to one's country.

General William Hull

American general who surrendered to the British fearing a massacre at the hands of Tecumseh.

Frigates

Fast warships utilized by the U.S. Navy, three of which were among the fastest, including the USS Constitution.

Oliver Hazard Perry

Commander of the Lake Erie fleet who destroyed the British fleet on September 10, 1813, stating, 'We have met the enemy and they are ours.'

Battle of the Thames

Battle where William Henry Harrison cut off the British and Indians leaving Detroit and killed Tecumseh, ending the Indian-British alliance.

Battle of Horseshoe Bend

A March 1814 battle in the Mississippi Territory where 550 Creek died and were forced to surrender their territory.

Dolley Madison

The individual who saved the portrait of George Washington before the British burned the White House and the Capitol in August 1814.

Fort McHenry

The Baltimore fortification that put up stiff resistance on September 13, keeping the British from entering the harbor.

Francis Scott Key

The author who wrote the poem that officially became the National Anthem in 1931 after observing the flag still standing after an overnight British barrage.

Sir George Prevost

British General who moved 10,000 troops from Canada to attack on Lake Champlain at Plattsburgh.