War of 1812
The Americans declared war for several reasons, one of which they thought it would be easy to take control of the entire continent. The British, Canadians, and Native allies proved them wrong.
This is a chronological overview of the major battles of the War of 1812-1815.
1812-06-11 00:00:00
Hull and the American Army Invade Canada
General William Hull led invading Americans-1,000 untrained, poorly-equipped militia-across the Detroit River to take Sandwich, near Windsor, ON.
1812-06-18 00:00:00
USA declares war on British in Canada
Look for historical fiction suggestions throughout timeline.
1812-07-16 00:00:00
Canadians capture Fort Michilimackinac
Brock sends Canadian traders and Native allies to Fort Michilimackinac and they take the fort without a shot.
1812-08-16 00:00:00
Hull surrenders Fort Detroit to Brock
Brock tricks Hull into surrendering Fort Detroit even though the Americans far outnumber the British, militia and Natives.
1812-10-13 00:00:00
Battle of Queenston Heights
The Americans are defeated at the Battle of Queenston Heights. Brock is killed by a sniper.
1813-01-18 00:00:00
Massacre at River Raisin
Captured Americans are killed by Natives in retaliation for the attacks on their villages in the last months of 1812.
1813-04-27 00:00:00
Americans burn York
The Americans take York (Toronto).
1813-05-01 00:00:00
Siege of Fort Meigs
General Proctor and Tecumseh lead a siege against Fort Meigs in Ohio. When American reinforcements arrive the Natives lead them into the forest where they are decimated. The siege is unsuccessful and the British retreat
1813-05-27 00:00:00
Americans take Fort George
The Americans capture Fort George at the head of the Niagara River.
1813-07-05 00:00:00
British win the Battle of Stoney Creek
Billy Green leads to British by night to the American camp where there is a decisive victory
1813-07-21 00:00:00
Battle of Beaver Dams
Laura Secord warns Fitzgibbon of an impending American attack. Fitzgibbon tricks the Americans into a surrender.
1813-08-10 00:00:00
British capture two American ships on Lake Ontario
1813-09-10 00:00:00
Americans win the Battle of Lake Erie
The Americans win a decisive victory on Lake Erie.
1813-10-05 00:00:00
Battle of the Thames
Proctor and Tecumseh attempt to thwart the Americans heading up the Thames River from Detroit. Proctor looses heart and runs leaving the Native allies on their own. The beloved leader, Tecumseh is killed.
1813-10-25 00:00:00
Battle of Chateauguay
Charles de Salaberry and the French Canadians and Native allies repel the Americans even though they are outnumbered. The Americans expected the French to side with them since France and Americans were allies. French Canadians however, fight to protect their lands.
1813-11-11 00:00:00
Battle of Crysler’s Farm
The Americans could not overcome the British and Canadians at the Battle of Crysler's Farm on the St. Lawrence River.
1813-12-10 00:00:00
Americans retreat from Fort George and burn Newark
Without enough men to hold the fort, the Americans retreat from Fort George but burn the town of Newark leaving women and children destitute in the middle of winter.
1813-12-18 00:00:00
British take Fort Niagara
After regaining Fort George, the British take Fort Niagara in a surprise night attack.
1814-07-05 00:00:00
Battle of Chippawa
The British are defeated on the Niagara River at Chippawa, but the Americans do not get reinforcements and end up having to withdraw to Fort Erie.
1814-07-25 00:00:00
Battle of Lundy’s Lane
In the bloodiest battle of the war, both Americans and British loose many troops on the battlefield at Lundy's Lane.
1814-08-14 00:00:00
Attack on Fort Erie
Americans successfully hold Fort Erie against attack.
1814-08-24 00:00:00
British attack and burn Washington
The British attack and burn the capital buildings at Washington, DC
1814-09-03 00:00:00
Canadians take control of Lake Huron
The British at Fort Mackinac need supplies. American ships patrol Lake Huron.
1814-09-10 00:00:00
Battle of Lake Champlain
Americans win the naval battle on Lake Champlain
1814-09-28 00:00:00
Battle of Cook’s Mills
The British win the Battle of Cooks Mills on the Niagara front. This is the last battle of the war on Canadian soil.
1814-10-14 00:00:00
Americans retreat from Fort Erie to Buffalo
The Americans' hope for gaining control of the continent is finally put to rest. No Canadian territory has been given up in the conflict
1814-12-24 00:00:00
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent signals the end of the war, though it takes a while to get the word to all parties.
1815-01-08 00:00:00
Battle of New Orleans
The British attempt to take back some of the land America gained in the Louisiana Purchase. They attack New Orleans but the Americans defend successfully. Word came later that the War was over.
1815-03-01 00:00:00
Conclusion
For 200 years there has been debate about who won the war. The USA claims the British were the aggressors (hindering trade on the high seas), and the Canadians claim the Americans as aggressors, invading our soil. Now, we celebrate 200 years of peace