When The White House Burned
By: Calin Aneculaesei
Tags: War, History, America, United Kingdom, United States

When The White House Burned

How America’s colonial master managed to burn down both the White House and the Capitol building on the same day

Painting depicting the White House burning while British troops watched

The White House is perhaps one of the most significant buildings in the United States. Symbolising the hard-earned freedom of the US and housing the current president the building has both historical and cultural significance. For many this symbol seems to be a permanent hallmark of the United States, being present in its current place since 13 October 1792.

Thus it might surprise many that this symbol of freedom was once desecrated by those who once held the United States under their colonial yoke, the United Kingdom. These events would come quite soon after independence was achieved through the War of 1812.

Napoleon, France and Europe

Napoleon

The war of 1812 is part of a longer series of conflicts often referred to as the Napoleonic Wars. The Napoleonic Wars went on from 18 May 1803 to the 20 November 1815 and they involved most of Europe going against the military might of Napoleon’s army. Although ending with a French defeat Napoleon’s victories are still thought to be, to this day, some of the most impressive military victories in history due to Napoleon’s ingenious tactics.

France and the United States were close allies at this point in history due to their mutual hatred of the United Kingdom.

As a result, when the Napoleonic Wars started in Europe the US had to come to their ally’s help. Thus in 1812, the United States declared war on the United Kingdom, one of France’s biggest adversary in this war.

Both the conflict between the United States and the United Kingdom as well as the Napoleonic Wars would end in 1815 but not before both Europe and America were left in ruins. During the British invasion of the American mainland one significant town would be ravaged by the occupying forces, destroying the fighting spirit of the Americans, Washington City.

The consequences of defeat

On the 24 August 1814 British forces clashed against American forces at Bladensburg. Although outnumbered the British managed to beat back the 7000 strong American defenders leaving the road to the capital, Washington City, completely unguarded.

On the same day, British forces entered the capital and proceeded to wreak havoc to some of the most significant buildings of the country. Most notably of these were the Capitol building and the White House which were both ravaged by the fire started by the British forces. This would mark the first time in history when the American capital was occupied by foreign forces since the American Revolutionary War.

British troops marching through Washington City setting fire to the town

Fortunately, the buildings were not burned to the ground as a heavy thunderstorm several days after the attack put out the fire started by the British troops meaning that both the White House and the Capitol building could be rebuilt with relative ease. The storm also pushed the British occupants away due to the uncertainty created by the bad weather. This storm indirectly saved the capital from ruin.

The Americans would not get a chance to strike back at the British as the Treaty of Ghent was signed between the United States and the United Kingdom on December 24, 1814, which declared a white peace between the two states returning borders to their pre-war state.

Freedom

The defeat at the Battle of Bladensburg still remains one of the United States most embarrassing defeats both because of their military incompetence shown in the battle and the resulting damage that came about as a result of the lack of defence of the capital.

When the American’s fought for freedom

In a world where the United States seems to be uncontested as military power looking back at its humble past might put the country’s place into perspective. Before the oppressed, now in many people’s eyes, America has become the oppressor, something that the country has fought against since its naissance on 4 July 1776.