War of 1812 British were taking American sailors at sea and forcing them into the British Navy Young US Congressmen who called for war British killed 3 Americans of the USS Chesapeake after they were refused boarding of the ship US wanted to expand into Native American Lands Also Burned.. Niagara Falls, NT, Riverside, Buffalo British burned many coastal cities including the White House, and the Capitol building in DC General Andrew Jackson becomes a National hero for defeating the British at New Orleans Took place after the peace treaty was singed. Confirmed US independence Strengthened nationalism Gen. George McClure, commander of the American forces, burned the Canadian town of Newark today called Niagara-on-the-Lake These actions raised protest, even from the American side The Americans feared British retaliation British crossed the river and surprised the garrison at Fort Niagara put many to the bayonet Destroyed the town of Lewiston, Indians with the British carried the destruction far beyond the town Destroyed the villages of Manchester (Niagara Falls) and Schlosser Stopped at Tonawanda Creek because the bridge had been burned out Village of Buffalo burned on December 30, 1813 After more burning on January 1 st only three buildings remained The British re-crossed the river with 90 prisoners. 40 Americans were dead and the British suffered equally heavy losses By May travelers reported that 3 taverns, 16 stores and 50 dwellings had been rebuilt