Burning of Washington

British amphibious attack capturing and burning the U.S. capital in 1814.

Quick Facts: Who was Burning of Washington?

Subject:
Burning of Washington
Known for:
British amphibious attack capturing and burning the U.S. capital in 1814.
Verified Source:
2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The burning of Washington, also known as the capture of Washington, was a successful British amphibious attack conducted by Rear Admiral George Cockburn as part of the Chesapeake campaign planned by Admiral John Warren. It was the only time since the American Revolutionary War that a foreign power had captured and occupied a United States capital. Following the defeat of American forces at the Battle of Bladensburg on August 24, 1814, a British force led by Major-General Robert Ross marched on Washington, D.C. That evening, British soldiers and sailors set fire to multiple public buildings, including the presidential mansion (White House), United States Capitol, and Washington Navy Yard. The attack was in part a retaliation for American actions during the previous year in British-held Upper Canada, in which U.S. forces burned and looted York and then burned large portions of Port Dover. Less than four hours after the attack began, a heavy thunderstorm, possibly a hurricane and a tornado, extinguished the fires and caused further destruction.

Career & Major Achievements

The British occupation of Washington, D.C., lasted for roughly 26 hours. President James Madison, along with his administration and several military officials, evacuated and found refuge for the night in Brookeville, a small town in Montgomery County, Maryland; Madison spent the night in the house of Caleb Bentley, a Quaker who lived and worked in Brookeville. Bentley's house, known today as the Madison House, still exists. The United Kingdom was already at war with France when the United States declared war in 1812. The war against France took up most of Britain's attention and military resources.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The initial British strategy against the United States focused on imposing a naval blockade at sea, and maintaining a defensive stance on land. The British Army could not reinforce Canada; instead, the government relied on militia units and indigenous allies to support the British Army units already posted in Canada. With the defeat and exile of Napoleon in April 1814, Britain was able to use its newly available troops and ships to prosecute its war with the United States. The Earl Bathurst, serving as Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, dispatched an army brigade and additional naval vessels to the imperial fortress of Bermuda, from where a blockade of the U.S. coast and even the occupation of some coastal islands had been overseen throughout the war. It was decided to use these forces in raids along the Atlantic seaboard to draw American forces away from Canada.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

  1. 1812: 1812 Milestone — The United Kingdom was already at war with France when the United States declared war in 1812.
  2. 1814: 1814 Milestone — Following the defeat of American forces at the Battle of Bladensburg on August 24, 1814, a British force led by Major-General Robert Ross marched on Washington, D.

Notable Quotes by Burning of Washington

“within a short period of time, with enough force, we could easily have at our mercy the capital”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Burning of Washington

True or False: “The British forces successfully occupied Washington D.C. for several weeks following the August 1814 attack.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The British occupation of Washington, D.C., was brief, lasting for roughly 26 hours.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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  • Alexander H. Stephens — Historical peer (Born in 1812) (1812): American politician, Vice President of the Confederacy, and Governor of Georgia.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Burning of Washington

Who was Burning of Washington and what are their primary contributions?

British amphibious attack capturing and burning the U.S. capital in 1814. Origins & Early Life: The burning of Washington, also known as the capture of Washington, was a successful British amphibious attack conducted by Rear Admiral George Cockburn as part of the Chesapeake campaign planned by Admiral John Warren. It was the only time since the American Revolutionary War that a foreign power had captured and occupied a United States capital. Following the defeat of American forces at the Battle of Bladensburg on August 24, 1814, a British force led by Major-General Robert Ross marched on Washington, D.C. That evening, British soldiers and sailors set fire to multiple public buildings, including the presidential mansion (White House), United States Capitol, and Washington Navy Yard. The attack was in part a retaliation for American actions during the previous year in British-held Upper Canada, in which U.S. forces burned and looted York and then burned large portions of Port Dover. Less than four hours after the attack began, a heavy thunderstorm, possibly a hurricane and a tornado, extinguished the fires and caused further destruction.

Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Burning of Washington?

Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.

Source: Wikipedia