The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and the British Empire. the United States declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including a desire for expansion into the Northwest Territory, trade restrictions due to Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant sailors into the British Navy and British support of American Indian tribes against American expansion. The war ended in 1815.
This drawing by George Munger shows the ruins of the U.S Capitol following the capture and burning of Washington DC by the British in August, 1814