Question

During the War of 1812, the Americans burned down the Parliament Buildings in York (now Toronto). What did the British Canadians do in return?

a) Negotiated a peace treaty
b) Attacked Washington D.C.
c) Formed an alliance with the United States
d) Rebuilt the Parliament Buildings

Answer 1

In response to the American burning of York, the British attacked and burned public buildings in Washington D.C., including the Capitol and the White House, while sparing private property.

Step-by-step explanation:

In retaliation for the American attack and burning of the Parliament Buildings in York (now Toronto) during the War of 1812, the British responded by attacking Washington D.C. Under the command of Major General Robert Ross, the British forces stormed the city and set fire to major public buildings including the Capitol and the White House. The attack was precise, ensuring that only public buildings were destroyed, while private property was spared. Notably, the Library of Congress suffered a significant loss as it was also burnt, leading Thomas Jefferson to offer his personal library to replace the books that were destroyed.

Despite these aggressive actions, the back-and-forth between American and British-Canadian forces eventually concluded with the Treaty of Ghent, signed on December 24, 1814, effectively ending the War of 1812 without clear victors and returning territories to their pre-war status.