War of 1812

1812-1814. War declared on Great Britain by the United States. Objectives were several, including plans to "liberate" Canada. Maritime reasons were based on British practices during the Napoleonic Wars: protect American seafarers from being impressed (forcibly drafted) into the British Navy and retribution for ships captured as neutral carriers. Its end was inconclusive. Americans achieved success in single ship combat at sea and in privateering, but once the British Navy could devote full force to America after the defeat of Napoleon it could blockade and raid the American shore at will. The last battles fought, including Andrew Jackson's defense of New Orleans, happened after peace was signed.