Why did the British want to capture the cities of Washington and New Orleans?

Answer 1

Washington was our new national capitol and New Orleans was the gateway to the Mississippi river. Capturing one would upset the operation of our government. Capturing the other would control access to and from the Mississippi and all the lands along it, including the vital waterway to the Ohio River and into the heart of the Midwest. It would effectively cripple our navy's ability to defend the western lands of the US.

Answer 2

Capturing Washington which was our capital city would be a psychological blow to the American people. New Orleans was and still is a major seaport on the Gulf of Mexico, and in addition sat at the mouth of the Mississippi River. This is why the British wanted both cities in the 1812 war.

Answer 3

In the War of 1812:
1. Washington was the new capital city.
2. New Orleans was the gateway for all commerce in the rich central part of the continent.

Answer 4

The port of New Orleans controlled the inland river traffic, which meant that the British could control exports of raw materials (cotton was very important to the Brits). Washington DC, as the seat of government, was an obvious target.

If they still want Washington DC, they're certainly welcomed to it...

Answer 5

Washington because it was the capitial and New Orleans because it was the biggest US port at the time.

Answer 6

washington was the best for getting clothes clean. and new orleans cause insurance rates use to be real cheap.

Answer 7

One was the center of the north and the latter was the center of the south. Control of each would mean financial & politital control of a new nation.

Answer 8

Strategic centers of commerce and wealth with developed routes already developed..

Answer 9

I guess they wanted them back from the colonialist rebels.

Answer 10

the had ports to which the land could be axeced and trade.