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John Quincy Adams
Sixth president of the United States (1825-1829) and leading formulator of American diplomacy.
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Isaac Brock
General who commanded the British forces in Canada during the War of 1812.
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Henry Clay
Kentucky Congressman and senator throughout the first half of the 19th century. During the War of 1812, Clay was Speaker of the House and a leading War-Hawk.
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Thomas Cochrane
British Admiral who commanded the Royal Navy's actions in the War of 1812, particularly the naval aspects of the assaults on Baltimore and New Orleans.
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William Henry Harrison
Ninth US President. Major General Harrison became famous for his victory over Tecumseh at Tippecanoe
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Andrew Jackson
Also known as "Old Hickory", Jackson was the 7th US President (1829-1837). Jackson became popular thanks to several Indian campaigns against the Creek Indians and his stunning victory over British forces at New Orleans in January of 1815.
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Thomas Jefferson
The 3rd US President (1800-1808), Jefferson was the author of the Declaration of Independence and a leading American political philosopher. Despite the unpopularity of his 1807 Embargo Act, he was followed in the presidency by his hand-picked successor, James Madison.
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Francis Scott Key
American Lawyer detained by the British who, after seeing the American flag remain atop Fort McHenry during its nighttime bombardment in 1814, was inspired to write the Star-Spangled Banner.
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Thomas Macdonough
US Naval Officer who embarrassed the British by winning the Battle of Lake Champlain (near Plattsburg) in 1814, using cables to swing his boat around in a crucial moment in the battle, presenting the enemy with a fresh broadside. His victory prevented a British invasion of New York.
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James Madison
Founding Father and 4th US President (1809-1817). Madison had been Secretary of State for Jefferson, and as president he continued many of Jefferson's policies. The War of 1812 took place during Madison's presidency.
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Edward Packenham
British General who was to replace Robert Ross after Ross' death at Baltimore. Packenham's late arrival in the New World severely hampered the amphibious invasion of New Orleans.
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Oliver Hazard Perry
An American naval officer, Perry's small fleet won a celebrated battle against the British on Lake Erie.
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The Prophet
Named Laulewasikau, a Shawnee visionary and brother of Tecumseh.
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Robert Ross
British general who commanded land forces at the battle of Bladensburg in 1814, defeating General Winder and opening the road to Washington, which he burned, sparing many private residences. Ross was killed in the assault of Baltimore.
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Tecumseh
Shawnee chief and leader who organized an intertribal confederation to fight against white encroachment in the Ohio Valley. He was defeated by Harrison at Tippecanoe. He died at the Battle of the Thames, while siding with British in the War of 1812.
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William Winder
General who commanded the disorganized American forces at Bladensburg, leading to a complete route by the British.