War of 1812: Key Points from the Lecture

British Attack on Baltimore

British troops marched toward Baltimore as the navy attacked Fort McHenry.
Plan: Draw out American troops and allow British ground troops to take the city.
Result: Plan failed.

Poem written by Francis Scott Key, set to a British drinking song's tune.
Officially used by the US Navy in 1889.
Designated by President Wilson in 1916, became the national anthem in 1931.
Americans were reluctant to accept a British tune.
Before 1931, "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" was used unofficially (melody same as British anthem "God Save the Queen").
The anthem has four stanzas, but only the first is usually sung.
Third verse is controversial, referencing American slaves who fled to British lines for freedom.

Crucial in stopping British momentum during the War of 1812.
Mid-Atlantic attacks, including Fort McHenry and DC, were diversions from major British offenses.

General George Prevost led troops along Lake Champlain aimed at New York.
Commodore Thomas Macdonough defeated British at Battle of Plattsburgh (Sept 11), breaking their supply lines.
Defeats at Plattsburgh and Fort McHenry led to British scaling back demands in peace talks.

Signed on Christmas Eve 1814 in Ghent, Belgium.
Restored relations to pre-war status without settling major issues like impressment or neutrality.
Treaty required ratification by both sides' legislatures.

Fought on January 8, 1815, after the peace treaty but before it was ratified.
British aimed to control Mississippi River Valley and New Orleans.
Defended by Andrew Jackson, using militia, pirates, freed slaves, and anyone available.
British were overconfident and launched an overcomplicated three-pronged attack.
Critical mistakes: delayed forces, missing ladders.
Resulted in a decisive American defense, British high command casualties including General Pakenham.

Proceed to the next part of the lecture series about the Battle of New Orleans.
Take the War of 1812 lecture recap quiz (focus on 30 seconds to 4 minutes clip).