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War of 1812

The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the United States and Great Britain, with fighting also involving British North America and Indigenous allies.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the United States and Great Britain, with fighting also involving British North America and Indigenous allies. It lasted from 1812 to 1815 and ended with the Treaty of Ghent, which restored prewar boundaries and left major issues unresolved.

Background

The war grew out of tensions from the Napoleonic Wars, including British interference with American trade and impressment of American sailors. It also involved U.S. expansionist aims and conflict on the frontier with Indigenous nations.

Military campaigns

Fighting occurred across several theaters, including the Great Lakes, Niagara frontier, Atlantic seaboard, and Gulf Coast. Notable events included the burning of Washington, the Battle of Baltimore, the Battle of the Thames, and the Battle of New Orleans.

Treaty of Ghent

Peace terms were signed in Ghent on December 24, 1814, and ratified by the United States on February 17, 1815. The treaty restored conquered territory and ended the war without resolving the underlying maritime disputes.

Legacy

The war influenced national identity in the United States and Canada, and it affected the political and military development of both countries. Its long-term consequences included stronger Canadian territorial defense narratives and changes in U.S. politics and military planning.

Key facts

  • The war began when the United States declared war on Great Britain on June 18, 1812.
  • Major causes included British trade restrictions, impressment, and frontier conflict involving Indigenous nations.
  • The Treaty of Ghent was signed in December 1814 and ratified in February 1815.
  • Neither side gained significant territory, and the treaty restored the prewar status quo.
  • The conflict is often remembered in Canada as part of the defense of British North America.
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Canadian context

The war was fought partly in what is now Canada, and it is a major event in Canadian military history because British North America and Indigenous allies helped repel U.S. invasions.

Frequently asked questions

When did the War of 1812 begin?
The United States declared war on Great Britain on June 18, 1812.
When did the War of 1812 end?
The peace treaty was signed on December 24, 1814, and ratified by the U.S. Senate on February 17, 1815.
Why did the war start?
Major causes included British trade restrictions, impressment of American sailors, British support for Indigenous resistance, and U.S. territorial ambitions.
Who fought in the war?
The main belligerents were the United States and Great Britain, with British North American forces and Indigenous allies involved in the fighting.
Did either side win the War of 1812?
The war ended in a draw on the battlefield, and the Treaty of Ghent restored prewar boundaries.
Why is the war important in Canada?
It is remembered as a key conflict in the defense of British North America and in the formation of Canadian historical identity.

References

  1. American Battlefield Trust — https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/war-of-1812-faqs
    Supports: Date, duration, causes, and treaty ratification details.
  2. Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State — https://www.history.state.gov/milestones/1801-1829/war-of-1812
    Supports: Background, Treaty of Ghent, and status quo ante bellum outcome.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/event/War-of-1812
    Supports: Participants, dates, major theaters, and key battles.
  4. Naval History and Heritage Command — https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/wars-conflicts-and-operations/1812.html
    Supports: U.S. declaration of war, causes, theaters, and treaty details.
  5. National Army Museum — https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/war-1812
    Supports: Peace terms, ratification date, and restoration of prewar conditions.