UNITED STATES GOES TO WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On June 18, 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain. Sometimes referred to as the Second War for Independence, it is historically known as the War of 1812.
The war between the two nations, located on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean, began after a declaration of war was passed by the Congress and signed by President James Madison.
President Madison's war message stated the United States was going to war with Britain in response to a British blockade, impressment of American sailors into the British navy and incitement of Native-Americans on the frontier.*
The Smithsonian states...
"Although its events inspired one of the nation's most famous patriotic songs, the War of 1812 is a relatively little-known war in American history."
The Smithsonian does not, however, discount the importance of this "little-known" conflict in saying that it helped establish the young nation's credibility on the world stage and "fostered a strong sense of national pride."
JFK+50 NOTE
President Kennedy, a lover of history, had two paintings related to the War of 1812 in his Oval Office. Having served in the US Navy, it is not surprising that both were of naval battles. One was "Constitution-Guerriere" and the other was "United States vs. Macedonia".
*The War of 1812 lasted until early 1815 although a peace treaty was signed in December 1814. The war ended with a "status quo antebellum" meaning nothing basically changed from the beginning to the ending of the war.
SOURCE
"The Star-Spangled Banner," Smithsonian, www.amhistory.si.edu/
Sculpture Monument to the War of 1812
by Douglas Coupland (sculptor)
Toronto, Canada (2008)
