Leading up to the War of 1812  
 

After the Americans declared their independence, there was open conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain. The British withheld the West Indian trade from the Americans, and often subjected American vessels to searches for sailors who were ex-British subjects.

In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte came to power in France and succeeded in establishing his own dictatorship. As conflict developed between England and France, the United States adopted a neutral stance, and traded with both nations. In an attempt to disrupt each others’ trade, both England and France issued orders and decrees that ended up hampering the American trade.

In retaliation, the American Congress passed the Embargo Act in 1807, which kept American ships at home, depriving both France and Britain of the American trade of which they had both grown dependent. The Act plunged the country into a depression, and many traders turned to smuggling: goods were illegally traded to Canadians, who, being British, were capable of international trade. These further frustrations and the continued restraints imposed by the British on the Americans contributed to a declaration of War by the United States on June 18, 1812. The Americans sought reprieve from the British restraints by ousting the English from North America altogether.

 

To learn about the War of 1812 from beginning to end,
follow these links in order from first to last.

Lieutenant Woolsey of the American forces moves to Oswego

General Brock takes Detroit & Fort Michilimackinac

Captain Chauncey takes command of the American fleet

Battles at Queenston

Attacks on Kingston

Captain Yeo takes command of the English fleet

Attack and Occupation of York

Americans attack Niagara

British retaliate against Sackets Harbor

Americans stopped at the Battle of Stoney Creek

Hamilton & Scourge sink following the battle between Yeo and Chauncey

The Burlington Races

The Close of the War of 1812

 

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