When the War of 1812 began, the United States Navy consisted of sixteen warships. By comparison, the British had roughly 80 warships on duty along the east coast of the United States. Once war was declared, though, the United States had to do its best to win. Since many of the issues between the United States and Britain revolved around shipping rights, President Madison wasted no time in sending the Navy out to attack British ships.
One of the ships in the Navy was the U.S.S. Constitution. This 2200 ton frigate mounted more than 50 guns and had a top speed of 13 knots. During the course of the war, it would have three captains: Isaac Hull, William Bainbridge, and Charles Stewart.
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| U.S.S. Constitution |
Study the details on the Constitution's battles in the table below.
| Constitution vs. Guerriere | In August of 1812 the Guerriere challenged the Constitution to a fight. The Constitution accepted the challenge and the Guerriere opened fire. During the fight some of the British cannonballs bounced off the Constitution's sides. From that point forward, the Constitution was known as "Old Ironsides." After 35 minutes of fighting, the Guerriere was badly damaged and surrendered before slowly sinking. |
| Constitution vs. Java | In December of 1812 the Constitution spotted the Java and opened fire. The Java returned fire, causing damage to the Constitution's masts and sails. But the Constitution was able to deliver two devastating broadsides into the Java, killing its captain and rendering it immobile. The Java was so badly damaged that the decision was made to burn it instead of capturing it. |
| Constitution vs. Cyane and Levant | In February of 1815 the Constitution spotted two smaller British ships and began exchanging fire with both. The Constitution fired a broadside into the Levant that prompted it to leave the battle to make repairs. The Constitution then poured a devastating broadside into the Cyane, forcing it to surrender. Next the Constitution went after the Levant, which also surrendered after taking damaging raking fire. While the British were eventually able to recapture the Levant, the Cyane was added to the U.S. Navy. |
How well do you understand the U.S.S. Constitution's battle record during the War of 1812? Use the following activity to review what you have learned.
The United States had _________ ships in their navy than the British Navy at the start of the War of 1812.
- more
- fewer
- bigger
The United States Navy had 16 ships compared to the 80 ships that the British Navy had operating along the east coast of the United States at the start of the war.
The United States Navy had 16 ships compared to the 80 ships that the British Navy had operating along the east coast of the United States at the start of the war.
The United States Navy had 16 ships compared to the 80 ships that the British Navy had operating along the east coast of the United States at the start of the war.
The U.S.S. Constitution had __________ captains during the War of 1812.
- one
- two
- three
The U.S.S. Constitution had three captains during the War of 1812: Isaac Hull, William Bainbridge, and Charles Stewart. Each commanded the warship during one of its battles.
The U.S.S. Constitution had three captains during the War of 1812: Isaac Hull, William Bainbridge, and Charles Stewart. Each commanded the warship during one of its battles.
The U.S.S. Constitution had three captains during the War of 1812: Isaac Hull, William Bainbridge, and Charles Stewart. Each commanded the warship during one of its battles.
The U.S.S. Constitution's nickname was "Old __________".
- Ironsides
- Rough and Ready
- Windrider
The U.S.S. Constitution acquired its nickname "Old Ironsides" during its battle with the Guerriere when British cannonballs bounced off of its sides.
The U.S.S. Constitution acquired its nickname "Old Ironsides" during its battle with the Guerriere when British cannonballs bounced off of its sides.
The U.S.S. Constitution acquired its nickname "Old Ironsides" during its battle with the Guerriere when British cannonballs bounced off of its sides.
The captain of the British warship _________ was killed during a battle with the U.S.S. Constitution.
- Guerriere
- Java
- Cyane
The captain of the Java was killed during its battle with the Constitution. The Java surrendered shortly thereafter.
The captain of the Java was killed during its battle with the Constitution. The Java surrendered shortly thereafter.
The captain of the Java was killed during its battle with the Constitution. The Java surrendered shortly thereafter.
The __________ was captured and added to the United States Navy.
- Cyane
- Levant
- Guerriere
While both the Cyane and Levant were captured by the Constitution, only the Cyane was added to the U.S. Navy. The British were able to recapture the Levant shortly after its battle with the Constitution.
While both the Cyane and Levant were captured by the Constitution, only the Cyane was added to the U.S. Navy. The British were able to recapture the Levant shortly after its battle with the Constitution.
While both the Cyane and Levant were captured by the Constitution, only the Cyane was added to the U.S. Navy. The British were able to recapture the Levant shortly after its battle with the Constitution.
Summary
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