war of 1812

on june 1, 1812, president james madison asked congress to declare war against britain. with a navy of only 16 ships and a 7,000-man army, the united states was in no position to fight. "war hawks" were eager to conquer canada, however, and organized an invasion. the mission failed.

when, in 1814, napoleon was defeated in europe, battle-hardened british troops became available to send to america. one regiment sailed up the chesapeake river in august, defeated the militia, and marched into washington. as first lady dolley madison fled with a portrait of george washington, the british torched the white house, the capitol, and other buildings, then moved on to fort mchenry.