Question

What did Britain do in Washington, DC during the War of 1812?

1) Burned down the White House
2) Signed a peace treaty
3) Captured the American capital
4) Withdrew their forces

Answer 1

British forces burned public buildings in Washington D.C., including the Capitol and the White House, during the War of 1812, while personal properties were spared.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the War of 1812, British forces attacked Washington, D.C., under the command of Major General Robert Ross. They targeted and burned public buildings, including the Capitol Building and the White House. This act was part of the British strategy to undermine American morale and retaliate for American actions in Canada. Notably, personal properties were largely spared during this assault. The burning of Washington, including the loss of the Library of Congress, was a significant event in the War of 1812, showing the extent of British power and leading to a sense of unity and a surge of national pride in the U.S. after the war.