The Creation of the Star-Spangled Banner The story of the Star-Spangled Banner starts amidst the turmoil of the War of 1812. Francis Scott Key, an amateur poet and lawyer, was the man responsible for crafting the lyrics. He had boarded a British ship to negotiate a friend’s release, where he heard about the planned attack […]
War of 1812
Treaty of Ghent
The Historical Context of the Treaty of Ghent The Treaty of Ghent 1814 brought an end to the War of 1812 between Britain and America. Several sticking points had engaged the two nations in conflict. Among these were territorial disputes, trade restrictions resulting from Britain’s warring with France, impressment of American sailors into the Royal […]
Tecumseh
Childhood and Early Life of Tecumseh Tecumseh was born around the year 1768 in the Shawnee village of Old Piqua, near present-day Springfield, Ohio. His parents were Methoataske and Puckshinwau, both proud members of the Kispoko band of the Shawnee Tribe. Puckshinwau, his father, was a minor war chieftain respected for his bravery and leadership […]
Isaac Brock
Early Life and Education of Isaac Brock Isaac Brock was born on October 6, 1769, in Guernsey, an island in the English Channel. The eighth son of a middle-class family, Brock was exposed to a humble and modest upbringing. His father, John Brock, was a successful merchant who deeply valued education. His mother, Elizabeth de […]
Alexander Cochrane
Early Life and Career Born into an esteemed family on April 23, 1758, in Scotland, Alexander Cochrane was nurtured in a milieu of distinction. With a lineage steeped in military prowess, Alexander was imperatively drawn to the navy. Consequently, at a tender age, he entered the Royal Naval Academy in Portsmouth, charting the course of […]
Oliver Hazard Perry
Early Life and Naval Career Oliver Hazard Perry was born on the 23rd of August, 1785, in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. His father, Captain Christopher Raymond Perry, was a distinguished naval officer who sparked Oliver’s interest in naval service from a young age. By the time he was just 13 years old, Oliver had already […]
Battle of the Thames
Background and Lead-Up to the Battle The Battle of the Thames, also referred to as the Battle of Moraviantown, was not an isolated incident but part of the broader War of 1812. This war broke out due to lingering tensions between the United States and the United Kingdom. Predatory impressment of American sailors by the […]
Battle of Queenston Heights
The Prelude to the Battle The stage for the Battle of Queenston Heights was largely shaped by political and military maneuvers taking place in the year 1812. The United States, having declared war on Britain in June of that year due to maritime grievances and territorial disputes, began planning to invade British North America. This […]
Battle of New Orleans
Background of the Battle The Battle of New Orleans is historically significant as the last major battle fought in the War of 1812. Ongoing trade restrictions, impressment of American seamen, and territorial ambitions on the American frontier ignited this conflict between the United States and Great Britain. In early 19th century, Great Britain had imposed […]
Battle of Lake Erie
The Preceding Events to the Battle of Lake Erie The sequence of events leading up to the Battle of Lake Erie is inextricably linked to the War of 1812. The United States had declared war on Britain due to a variety of grievances, primarily the British Navy’s tendency to seize American seamen and subject them […]