UNITED STATES DECLARES WAR ON GREAT BRITAIN
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain. The war declaration, passed by Congress, was signed by President James Madison.
In his war message, the President cited the following reasons for war...
1. British blockade of the East Coast of the United States
2. Impressment of American sailors into the British Navy
3. Incitement of Native Americans on the frontier
Although known as "The War of 1812," it was fought into 1813 and 1814 with a peace treaty (Treaty of Ghent) signed in Belgium on December 24, 1814. Because word of the treaty did not reach the United States until 1815, the dates of the war are 1812-1815.
Historians classify the outcome of the war as a draw, but Americans sometimes refer to it as "The Second War for American Independence."
JFK+50 NOTE
The War of 1812, part of a larger conflict between France and Great Britain, saw the British attack Washington, D.C. (1814) and burn the Capitol Building and The White House. The war also saw a British attack on Fort McHenry near Baltimore turned away and the writing of "The Star Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key.
SOURCE
"War of 1812-1815," Office of the Historian, www.history.state.gov/
Battle of Georgian Bay
