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For almost a decade in the early 1800s, Britain had been engaged in the expensive and lengthy Napoleonic Wars with France. Seeking to put a stranglehold on materials and goods reaching France, British ships blockaded American ports to prevent cargo being sent to reinforce Napoleon’s armies. In addition, the British had instituted a policy of “Impressment” kidnapping sailors off of American ships and charging them (often falsely) with being “deserters” from the British Royal Navy and pressing the men into services aboard British ships.

 

On May 11,1812, America declared war on Britain and for two years battles on land and sea ensued. Following the defeat of Napoleon, Britain turned her most experienced and battle-hardened forces against the former American colonies, invading Washington and burning both the Capitol and White House in August of 1814.

 

Despite the outrage and humiliation of having Washington City decimated by British troops, it was clear that neither Britain nor American negotiators led by John Quincy Adams wanted to continue to be entrenched in a long and difficult war. On Christmas Eve of 1814, representatives of the two nations signed the Treaty of Ghent to declare peace.

 

However, because of delays in news of the treaty reaching America, the largest battle of the war would take place in New Orleans on January 8, 1815. General Andrew Jackson had only a small army of soldiers at his command as he approached New Orleans. He strengthened his fighting force by pressing into service frontiersmen, pirates, slaves, and just about every man whom Jackson could intimidate or threaten into joining his forces. Ultimately, Jackson’s army numbered 4,000 strong which proved enough for Jackson to emerge victorious over the larger British Army of 10,000 professional soldiers commanded by Major General Sir Edward Pakenham. British casualties totaled 2,459 with 386 killed while the victorious American forces had only 333 casualties with just 55 killed.

 

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