The Burning of Washington: War of 1812

During the War of 1812, British forces stormed into Washington, D.C. and set fire to the White House and other federal buildings. Rather than dent U.S. morale, however, the sacking of Washington served to galvanize the population against the British.
The American Battlefield Trust preserves America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educates the public about what happened there and why it matters. We permanently protect these battlefields for future generations as a lasting and tangible memorial to the brave soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

[@johnwilliamson2276]

The British army was forced to leave Washington because of a severe storm. Otherwise the damage would have been complete. The only federal building not set on fire was the US Marine barracks next to the Navy Yard. I’m a Marine Corps veteran. We all know the history of the Corps before we graduate from boot camp. 1968-72 Semper Fi

[@lordjazoijua94]

It was revenge for burning the Canadian colonial capital.

[@jtgd]

@@lordjazoijua94 okay?

[@KillerKane0]

They should have left Toronto as it was - a burned out ruin.

[@johnwilliamson2276]

@@lordjazoijua94 that’s not what I was talking about.

[@Mishn0]

@@lordjazoijua94 I think the retreating red coats blowing up the fort's magazine had something to do with the subsequent burning of York. But, go ahead and blame the Americans. We're used to it. We get blamed for everything.

[@earlymorningtwilight9119]

Visited the White house 20 years ago and my cousin, who was in a wheelchair, was able to go through the kitchen where she could see the walls had been burned in the attack.

[@spikejonze6182]

Wasn't there a tornado that hit the British when they were there? Is that true? Great video.

[@johnmassoud930]

Likely it was a hurricane that had tornadoes spin off of it.

[@Rare.99]

Everyone probably thought it was the end times that year

[@eelcowijnsma]

The British, being a seapower wished to destroy the Navy Yard. However that, including USS Columbia and USS Argus, was set ablaze by the Americans themselves

[@Rare.99]

It backfired for the British cus they messed with the best!!!

[@Blaidd7542]

You realise the British won this war right? 😂

[@tonybarde2572]

Never forgive
Never forget
Never again

[@jameshannigan5275]

get over it it was over 200 years ago this happened

[@tonybarde2572]

@@jameshannigan5275 🤬

[@classicalmusic1175]

You shouldn't have declared war on Britain then, should you?