The War of 1812 was the second war between the United States and Great Britain, fought over the impressment of American sailors, British restrictions on American trade with Napoleonic France, British support for Native resistance on the frontier, and American designs on Canada.
For the Marine Corps it was a proving ground. Marines served aboard every commissioned American warship, fighting from the tops and quarterdecks in the celebrated frigate duels, Constitution against Guerriere and Java, United States against Macedonian, and in the brutal loss of the Chesapeake to the Shannon, where their guard was nearly wiped out. They fought on the Great Lakes at Lake Erie, in the defense of Washington at Bladensburg, in the successful stand at Baltimore, and in Jackson's line at New Orleans. The war ended with the Treaty of Ghent, and the Corps came out of it with a markedly stronger reputation.
Engagements in this conflict (33) Podcast episodes on War of 1812
Record no. 212