June 18, 1812–War of 1812 Began
The War of 1812 broke out after the British Navy intercepted U.S. merchant ships, took their cargo, and forced American sailors to fight the French. When the U.S. Navy interceded, England blockaded and captured Washington, D.C., burning the White House. America won the war's final conflict, the bloody battle of New Orleans, which took place after American and British diplomats had signed a treaty ending the war.