The White House, besides being the residence of the American President, is also a symbol of America’s identity and power . But did you know that this historic building was once occupied by British soldiers? This incident happened when the year The War of 1812 was ongoing . At that time the British army had attacked Washington, D.C. attacked and set the White House on fire.
How the White House came under the control of the British Army?
The War of 1812was fought between America and Britain. The war was about issues of American trade and national honor. Seizure of American ships by Britain, Issues such as forced recruitment of American citizens and threats of war had increased tensions between the two countries. Both sides of the war had a–Planned attacks on other’s territories.
then 24 August 1814 The British army captured Washington DC planned to move to. The US government at the time and President James Madison’s lack of preparation for the defense of Washington. The British forces advanced into Washington with ease and occupied the city, meeting no serious resistance from American forces..
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Attack on the White House
The British Army 24 August Attacked the White House on the evening of 1814. Then President James Madison and his wife Dolley Madison had to immediately flee Washington. Dolley Madison took important documents from the White House and a famous painting of President George Washington, were evacuated safely.
The British troops completely looted the White House and then set it on fire. The fire severely damaged the building and it was completely gutted. At this time the White House building was almost completely destroyed.
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Time of British occupation
The British army captured the White House and other government buildings. The British occupation did not last very long, however. 25 August By the evening of 1814 American forces drove the British troops out of Washington .The British forces then left the city by nightfall and the security of the American capital was restored.
The White House was rebuilt
Rebuilding the White HouseBegan in 1815and a new plan was prepared for it. There was a special man involved in this reconstruction work whose name was James Hoban. He designed the original White House. Some modifications were made to the design of the building during reconstruction, But it was restored in its original form and beauty.
Let us tell you that this incident of the capture of the White House by the British was an important turning point in American history."s1">. This event became the source of a new patriotic feeling among the American people and it also strengthened the national unity of America.
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