Question

In 1814, the British army defeated American forces at the Battle of Bladensburg in Maryland. After this battle, the British marched to the United States capital. What happened when the British arrived in Washington, D.C.?

Answer 1

On August 24th, 1814, after the British arrived in Washington, D.C. they had set fire to some of the buildings located in the area, including: the White House, The Treasury Department building, the docks and all of the public buildings that had been in the capitol (which included the Library of Congress). Many of the private houses in the area however, were left in peace. This was due to the British wanting revenge because of the dreadful defeat that they had experienced during the Battle of York. (The British were hoping that the burning of the capitol would drown out American's patriotism and embarrass them).