The War of 1812

The War of 1812, often dubbed 'the Second War of Independence,' was fought between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815. The conflict arose due to issues such as British restrictions on American shipping and the impressment of American sailors into the Royal Navy. Key events during the war included the burning of Washington, D. C.

, and the successful defense of Fort McHenry, which inspired Francis Scott Key to pen 'The Star-Spangled Banner. ' The war concluded with the Treaty of Ghent, restoring relations between the two nations but leaving many issues unresolved, thus setting the stage for future conflicts.