The British Offensive: Washington and Baltimore
Grade 8 history covers the British attack on Washington D.C. and Baltimore in 1814, when British troops burned the White House and Capitol. The defense of Fort McHenry during the night-long bombardment inspired Francis Scott Key to write what became the Star-Spangled Banner. Covered in IMPACT California Social Studies, Grade 8, Chapter 8: The Jefferson Era.
Key Concepts
By 1814, Britain defeated France in Europe and turned its full military strength toward the United States. In August, British troops marched into Washington, D.C., and burned the White House and the Capitol building. It was a low point for the nation, though First Lady Dolley Madison famously saved a portrait of George Washington before fleeing.
The British then moved to attack Baltimore but were stopped by the stubborn defense of Fort McHenry . During the night long bombardment, a lawyer named Francis Scott Key watched from a nearby ship. When he saw the American flag still flying at dawn, he wrote a poem that later became the Star Spangled Banner , America’s national anthem.
Common Questions
What happened when the British attacked Washington D.C.?
In August 1814, British troops marched into Washington D.C. and burned the White House and Capitol building. First Lady Dolley Madison famously saved a portrait of George Washington before fleeing.
What was the defense of Fort McHenry?
After burning Washington D.C., the British moved to attack Baltimore but were stopped by the stubborn defense of Fort McHenry during a night-long bombardment by British ships.
How was the Star-Spangled Banner written?
Lawyer Francis Scott Key watched the bombardment of Fort McHenry from a nearby ship. When he saw the American flag still flying at dawn, he wrote a poem that later became the Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem.
Which textbook covers the British attack on Washington for Grade 8?
This topic is in IMPACT California Social Studies, Grade 8, Chapter 8: The Jefferson Era.
What grade level covers the War of 1812 British attack?
The British offensive against Washington and Baltimore is typically covered in Grade 8 US history.