During the War of 1812, the United States did plan and repeatedly attempt to conquer British North America—Canada. American military operations targeted key regions such as Upper Canada and Montreal, but ultimately failed, and the Treaty of Ghent restored the prewar boundary.
The Rush–Bagot Agreement of 1817 was an exchange of diplomatic notes between the United States and Great Britain that limited naval forces on the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. It ended the post-War of 1812 naval arms race and became a lasting symbol of the undefended border between the United States and Canada.
During the War of 1812, both American and British/Canadian sides used newspapers, cartoons, proclamations, and rumors to shape public opinion and bolster morale. This propaganda influenced domestic politics, military recruitment, and the broader narrative of the conflict, leaving a lasting impact on freedom of the press.
Philip Bowes Vere Broke (1776–1841) was a Royal Navy officer best known for commanding HMS Shannon in its victorious single-ship action against USS Chesapeake on 1 June 1813. His innovative gunnery training and the Chesapeake capture marked a turning point in the naval aspects of the War of 1812.
The Night Battle of December 23, 1814, was a surprise American attack on British forces that had just landed below New Orleans during the War of 1812. Andrew Jackson’s night assault, though tactically indecisive, delayed the British advance and allowed time for the construction of the defensive line that won the decisive Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815.
A research guide to contemporary newspapers from the War of 1812, covering their historical role, digitized collections, and how to use them as primary sources for studying the conflict.
Peace talks between the United States and Great Britain were held in Ghent, Belgium, in 1814 because it was a neutral city accessible to both delegations, and both sides sought an end to the costly War of 1812 after earlier mediation offers failed.
Fort Ontario guarded the harbor at Oswego, New York, a vital link in the American supply chain to Sackets Harbor. In May 1814 a British amphibious force captured the fort but failed to seize the most critical naval stores, which Lieutenant Colonel George E. Mitchell had moved upriver, blunting the strategic impact of the victory.
The Battle of Burnt Corn, fought on July 27, 1813, was the first significant engagement of the Creek War, pitting Mississippi Territory militia against Red Stick Creeks returning from Pensacola. The Red Stick victory escalated the conflict and directly contributed to the Fort Mims massacre.
During the War of 1812, privately owned armed ships commissioned by the United States government raided British merchant shipping, capturing more than 1,300 vessels and nearly forcing the British to abandon their maritime trade. These privateers played a crucial role in the naval war despite being separate from the small U.S. Navy.
