War of 1812 Records & Newspapers

The War of 1812 was a result of America rebelling against the British, who were greatly restricting trade and attacking American ships. War of 1812 records include a documents relating to impressed American seamen by foreign powers, namely by the British, French and Spanish. These War of 1812 records show the practice of more powerful nations boarding American ships at sea and impressing or repatriating American seamen to join their navy, and these records include the applications to release these seamen.

The War of 1812 records also includes military records for many soldiers who fought in this war, as well as pension records, veteran records, army, navy and marine corps records, military service records for volunteer soldiers and enlistment registers. Naval War of 1812 records also include a series related to prisoners of war taken from captured enemy ships and often lists in great detail where each prisoner came from.

The War Department was established in 1789 and kept strict records on all conflicts, including War of 1812 records. These also included discharge records and lists of all units fighting in the War of 1812. There are also War of 1812 records that include death certificates and regiment details.

War of 1812 Timeline

1803: The British start impressing or repatriating American seamen and forcing them to labor on British ships. The number of impressed seamen reaches 10,000 by 1812

1805-1806: The British government declares, in 1805, that all commercial American trading ships found between enemy and neutral ports will be seized. In 1806, James Madison reports on the British harassment of American traders, and anti-British feelings get stronger. Also, the British blockade France, resulting in the seizure of over 1,000 American ships.

1807: The American ship Chesapeake is fired on by the British and causes an international uproar.

1812: The U.S. declares war on the British on June 18.

1813: In January, the Battle of Frenchtown results in the British troops defeating the Americans. The survivors are subsequently killed during the Raisin River Massacre. In September, the Americans defeat the British at the Battle of Lake Erie.

1814: In August, the British burn Washington DC. In September, the Americans defeat the British in the Battle of Plattsburgh and secure the northern border.

1814-1815: On December 24, the Treaty of Ghent is signed to signify the end of the war. News doesn't come in time, and in January 1815, Andrew Jackson wins a major battle against the British in New Orleans. By February, the peace treaty was active, and the war ended.

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