and those of the British Empire
. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment
of American merchant sailors into the Royal Navy
, British support of American Indian
tribes against American expansion, and over national honour after humiliations on the high seas.
1812 War of 1812: U.S. President James Madison asks the Congress to declare war on the United Kingdom.
1812 War of 1812: The U.S. Congress declares war on the United Kingdom.
1812 War of 1812: Great Britain revokes the restrictions on American commerce, thus eliminating one of the chief reasons for going to war.
1812 War of 1812: the United States invade Canada at Windsor, Ontario.
1812 War of 1812: American General William Hull surrenders Fort Detroit without a fight to the British Army.
1812 War of 1812: American frigate ''USS Constitution'' defeats the British frigate ''HMS Guerriere'' off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada earning her nickname "Old Ironsides".
1812 War of 1812: The Siege of Fort Harrison begins when the fort is set on fire.
1812 War of 1812: The Siege of Fort Wayne begins when Chief Winamac's forces attack two soldiers returning from the fort's outhouses.
1812 War of 1812: A supply wagon sent to relieve Fort Harrison is ambushed in the Attack at the Narrows.
1812 War of 1812: A second supply train sent to relieve Fort Harrison is ambushed in the Attack at the Narrows.