Embargo
The US declares a 90 day embargo in preparation for war with Britain
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1812 in United States of America
Explore 13 historical events and records for United States of America in 1812.
Historical records for United States of America in 1812
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 13 of 13 unique records.
13Unique records
1 of 1Page
11Named events on this page
6Named people on this page
6Places on this page
April
August
Capture of Detroit
William Hull surrenders Detroit to the British General Sir Isaac Brock
Other events (month unknown)
Battle of New Orleans
Involved in the Battle of New Orleans
Brigadier General
Appointed Brigadier General
Brigadier General
Appointed Brigadier General
Capture of Galapagos
Commands the Essex & captures 3 British whaling ships off the Galapagos
Declaration of War
Declares war on Britain. America is subject to British coastal raids & the destruction of Washington
Election
After Madison convinced Congress to declare war, Madison is re-elected President over DeWitt Clinton but by a smaller margin than in 1808
Governor of Virginia
Appointed Governor of Virginia
Siege of Detroit
The British & Canadians winn numerous victories, including the capture of Detroit after the American General there surrenders to a smaller force without a fight
Siege of Toronto
The attack of Detroit & Washington DC is in retaliation for a US invasion of York, Upper Canada (now Toronto, Ontario), in which US forces twice occupy the city, burning the Parliament Buildings of Upper Canada
Siege of Washington
The attack of Detroit & Washington DC is in retaliation for a US invasion of York, Upper Canada (now Toronto, Ontario), in which US forces twice occupy the city, burning the Parliament Buildings of Upper Canada. British occupation of Washington, D.C. which forces Madison to flee the city and watch as the White House is set on fire by British troops
Siege of Washington
America is subject to British coastal raids & the destruction of Washington
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.