24 August - The Burning of Washington

 

The Burning of Washington refers to the events that took place during the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. In August 1814, British forces captured and set fire to Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States at that time.

On August 24, 1814, British troops led by Major General Robert Ross entered Washington, D.C., after defeating American forces at the Battle of Bladensburg. The British troops subsequently advanced to the city and set fire to several government buildings, including the White House (then known as the Presidential Mansion), the Capitol, and other structures.

The burning of Washington was a significant event during the War of 1812, which was fought between the United States and Great Britain. The war had various causes, including maritime disputes, trade restrictions, and impressment of American sailors into the British navy. The burning of the capital was a major symbolic blow to the United States and marked a low point in the conflict.

The war eventually ended in 1815 with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, restoring the status quo ante bellum (the state of affairs before the war). The burning of Washington and the broader events of the War of 1812 had lasting impacts on U.S.-British relations and the development of American national identity.