British Troops Set Fire to the White House
On August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812, British troops set fire to the White House and several other key buildings in Washington, D.C. This event marked one of the most significant and symbolic acts of the war, as British forces, led by Major General Robert Ross, captured the American capital. The burning of […]
Napoleon Bonaparte Abdicates the Throne
On this day in history, Napoleon Bonaparte abdicates the throne of France following his defeat in the War of the Sixth Coalition, and is subsequently exiled to the island of Elba. This marked the end of his rule as Emperor of the French and the beginning of his first exile, though he would later return […]
The Treaty of Ghent Ends the War of 1812
On December 24th, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed, officially ending the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. The treaty restored pre-war boundaries and set the stage for a lasting peace.
“The Star-Spangled Banner”
During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key penned the poem “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” which later became the lyrics for the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”