Two hundred years ago this month, on June 1 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain.
Just over two weeks later, the young nation went to war to stop the British from bullying them at sea, where they intercepted merchant ships, impressed US sailors and blockaded US ports, and on land, where they supported American Indian tribes.
Although the war ended in a stalemate, the US came away with newfound pride and confidence. This would also mark the beginning of a lasting alliance between the two powers.
Now relive the war of 1812 with a set of iconic images.
America declared war on Britain on June 1, 1812. In this picture, artist William Charles depicts King George III bloodied by President James Madison. The war, often called "Mr. Madison's War", would be a long, bloody struggle.
Later in the year, major naval battles began to heat up. The USS Constitution famously fought the HMS Guerriere in 1812, and was considered the first major naval battle of the war, taking place in August 1812, just a couple of months after the British declared war. American naval ships were outnumbered in the sea four to one.
After a year of back and forth battle along the eastern part of the U.S. and British controlled Canada, the Battle of Lake Erie saw American forces successfully fend off the British led by Oliver Hazard Perry.
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