Niagara campaign facts for kids
The Niagara campaign was the final major attempt by the United States to invade Canada during the War of 1812. This important series of battles happened in 1814. The Americans launched this campaign to fight back against the British, who had taken Fort Niagara in December 1813. After the Americans burned the village of Newark in Canada, British forces and their Native American allies burned the American towns of Buffalo and Black Rock.
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Why the Niagara Campaign Was Fought
The United States wanted to strike a major blow against the British in the Niagara area. They had thought about attacking a British naval base called Kingston, but it was too difficult and well-protected. So, they decided to focus on the Niagara peninsula instead.
American Leaders and Their First Moves
The American forces were led by two important generals: Jacob Brown and Winfield Scott. They started their campaign in early July by capturing Fort Erie on the Niagara Peninsula. This was their first big victory.
The Battle of Chippawa
After taking Fort Erie, the American forces faced the British at the Battle of Chippawa. The Americans won this battle, showing they were a strong fighting force.
The Fierce Battle of Lundy's Lane
About three weeks later, a very tough battle happened at Battle of Lundy's Lane. Both sides fought hard and claimed they won. However, the American forces had many soldiers injured or killed. Because of these heavy losses, they decided to pull back to Fort Erie.
The Siege of Fort Erie
After the Americans returned to Fort Erie, the British, led by Gordon Drummond, tried to capture the fort. This led to the Siege of Fort Erie. A siege is when an army surrounds a fort or city to try and take it over. The Americans managed to defend the fort. The British eventually gave up the siege after losing many of their own soldiers.
The End of the Campaign
After a smaller fight at Cook's Mills, American forces, now led by General George Izard, left Fort Erie. They went back to American territory to rest for the winter. In February 1815, the U.S. Senate approved the Treaty of Ghent. This treaty officially ended the War of 1812.
Images for kids
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Winfield Scott (photographed in later life) played an instrumental role, as a young 28-year old Brigadier-General, at the Battles of Chippawa and Lundy's Lane.
