Final answer:
The British invasion of 1814 during the War of 1812 was caused by Britain's desire to retaliate against American incursions into Canada and British impressment of American sailors. The invasion resulted in significant events such as the burning of the U.S. Capitol, a surge in American national pride, and impacted the Native American fight for land.
Step-by-step explanation:
The British invasion of 1814 was one of the pivotal moments in the War of 1812, often referred to as the Second War of American Independence. This invasion was primarily caused by British retaliation for American actions in the north, such as the attempts to invade Canada, and the destruction of Canadian property. Another significant cause was the British practice of impressment, where the British navy would capture American sailors and force them to serve on British ships. Effects of the British invasion included the burning of the U.S. Capitol and the significant defeat suffered by Native American forces allied with the British. The war ultimately ended without territorial changes, but it fostered a sense of American nationalism and set the stage for westward expansion.
The American defenses during this period were particularly vulnerable along the Atlantic coast as the U.S. had a small navy that couldn't protect all its seaports simultaneously. With the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Britain was able to turn its full attention to the United States, sending over seasoned troops who sacked Washington D.C., an event that inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star-Spangled Banner.