Changes

== The War of 1812 ==

== The War of 1812 ==

James Madison was elected in 1808 to succeed Jefferson.  But Madison was a bit of an egghead, one of the few presidents who did not serve in war as others his age had.  Madison was in over his head as a president.  Madison was a thinker, not a commander-in-chief.  England was still the most powerful country in the world, and not someone to pick a fight with, regardless of what a professor type might think.   

James Madison was elected in 1808 to succeed Jefferson.  Madison was a bit of an egghead, one of the few presidents who did not serve in war as others his age had.  Madison was in over his head as a president.  Madison was a thinker, not a commander-in-chief.  England was still the most powerful country in the world, and not someone to pick a fight with, regardless of what an intellectual might think.   

England was still in Canada and some "War Hawks" in Congress (lead by Henry Clay) accused it of inciting Indian attacks against the United States.  A Shawnee Indian named Tecumseh began to unite many of the tribes, and American settlers were terrified.  It was believed that the British were arming the Indians and encouraging them to attack.  In 1811, General Harrison attacked Tecumseh's village.  Of course, this only heightened tension between the Indians and settlers.

England was still in Canada and some "War Hawks" in Congress (lead by Henry Clay) accused it of inciting Indian attacks against the United States.  A Shawnee Indian named Tecumseh began to unite many of the tribes, and American settlers were terrified.  It was believed that the British were arming the Indians and encouraging them to attack.  In 1811, General William Henry Harrison (a future president) attacked Tecumseh's village.  Of course, this only heightened tension between the Indians and settlers.

Meanwhile, England was also harassing American sailors and impressing them.  Adding insult to injury, England invaded D.C. itself and burned down the Capitol and the White House.  President Madison was befuddled and almost helpless.  His wife Dolly at least showed some intelligence and initiative by saving the portrait of George Washington as they fled the White House.  The British sacked the entire city.

Meanwhile, England was also harassing American sailors and impressing them.  Adding insult to injury, England invaded D.C. itself and burned down the Capitol and the White House.  President Madison was befuddled and almost helpless.  His wife Dolly at least showed some initiative by saving the portrait of George Washington as they fled the White House.  The British sacked the entire city.

In 1814, in the harbor at Baltimore, a battle was fought at Fort McHenry, during which the British shelled the American fortress.  An amateur poet named Francis Scott Key was detained during the battle and put his idle time to good use.  He penned the Star-Spangled Banner in honor of how the American flag continued to fly throughout the bombardment.  The word were immediately set to music, and became immensely popular.  In 1931, over 100 years later, it became the official National Anthem.

In 1814, in the harbor at Baltimore, a battle was fought at Fort McHenry, during which the British shelled the American fortress.  An amateur poet named Francis Scott Key was detained during the battle and put his idle time to good use.  He penned the Star-Spangled Banner in honor of how the American flag continued to fly throughout the bombardment.  The word were immediately set to music, and became immensely popular.  In 1931, over 100 years later, it became the official National Anthem.