Who fought the war of 1812 and who won?

Question

What was it all about and who were the victors?

Time for a few more history lessons. So far I only see one person who has the facts straight!

Answer 1

The relationship between Britain and the United States had been frigid since the latter gained their independence from the former. Trade had been substantial but diplomatic relations consisted of each party ignoring the other’s existence.

In 1793, Britain went to war against France in what became known as the Napoleonic Wars. The United States was neutral during this conflict but hostilities between the two belligerents interfered with its trade. The Royal Navy blockaded French ports and obliged all neutral shipping, especially American vessels, bound for France, to call first at a British port and pay duties on its cargo before being allowed to proceed. Furthermore the Royal Navy frequently stopped United States ships and pressed into service those seamen who had either deserted from the Royal Navy or were vaguely suspected of having deserted. This policy so incensed United States officials, that on 18th June 1812, President James Maddison declared war on Great Britain.

The Americans were ill prepared for war. An initial incursion into Canada was easily rebuffed. There were some minor naval skirmishes particularly involving the USS Constitution, which sank several Royal Navy vessels. The British army was too involved in Europe to send troops to fight, but British interests were preserved by supplying the Shawnee tribe with armaments to attack wagon trains, heading for Oregon. The Americans sent an expeditionary force into Canada, which burnt the city of York, now Toronto, and hurriedly retreated.

By 1814, after a series of victories in Europe, Britain had available resources to mount an offensive. An amphibious British force landed at Chesapeake Bay and after defeating the American army at the battle of Blandensberg, captured the city of Washington, destroyed the Capitol building and burnt down the president’s house. This residence was rebuilt soon after but had to be painted white in order to hide the burn marks, hence the name of the White House.

After such a disturbing and humiliating defeat, the Americans called a truce and signed a peace treaty, the Treaty of Ghent, which restored matters to the state they were in before the war.

Answer 2

The War of 1812 was between the United States and Great Britain, which wanted to regain the colonies it lost in the American Revolution. The British forces attacked by sea and by land, burnt the White House and recruited Indians to fight the Americans along the frontiers. The battles included the bombardment of harbor in Baltimore that inspired Francis Scott Keys to write the words to what is now the United States National Anthem. The war concluded with the Battle of New Orleans.

Answer 3

It was Between the United States and England. The United States did win. The greatest battle of the war, the famous battle of New Orleans, was actually fought after the British had already conceded. News hadn't made it to Louisiana that the war was over so the soldiers were still fighting. The campaign began in late December 1814, and ended with a huge deciding battle in early January 1815. Andrew Jackson was the American general.

Answer 4

the US wanted to annex more territory of Canada and the US president against the desires of congress started the war of 1812 with Canada. Then known as Upper Canada. Canada won the war and pushed the USA back into the US...

It was a stupid war like all wars are....all wars are fought for money...and Yes, I did serve in the military and was as gung-ho as the rest...but now that I am older I see the senselessness of war except for those who make the $$$ from it.

Answer 5

Technically it was a draw. However, you could say the US won, since the intent of the British invasion was to resubjegate the "colonies". Something they failed to do. Although they gained no territory, the US maintained its sovereignty. The war also marked the decline of European influence in the western hemisphere. Canada didnt exist as a Nation in 1812, so anyone saying that Canada won would be incorrect. The intent of the American incursion into what would become Canada was to drive British influence out of North America and seize key stragic settlements. That didnt happen, the march outpaced the supply lines and the garrisons were to well fortified to be routed. The Americans won some key victories in the battles around Boston and the Port of New Orleans, driving out or stoping the British advances cold. However, they lost other battles on the frontier and in DC, for example. Most of the battles actually took place after the end of hostilities, due to slow communications across the Atlantic.

Answer 6

1812 was a war between the united states and england. the us won its second war against england by emerging victoriously from this conflict.

Answer 7

Britain and the United States. Neither won. They settled their disputes by treaty.

Answer 8

The U.S. and Britian fought in it and I think that we won.