Battle of Plattsburgh - September 6-11 , 1814 |
Behind the Scenes of the Peace NegotiationsDespite the fact that the United States and Great Britain had begun negotiating a peace treaty, British powers wanted to maintain bargaining power. As a result, the large British force under George Provost attacked a unit of about 3,000 American soldiers under the command of Alexander MaComb stationed at Plattsburgh, New York, on the shores of Lake Champlain. The British also wanted to maintain control of the Great Lakes waterway and planned a naval attack on the lake, as well as a ground attack on the town of Plattsburgh. The British are Denied Control of the Great LakesThanks to a naval fleet organized the previous summer by Thomas MacDonough, and winds from the lake that confused British soldiers, American naval forces devastated the British fleet, including their flagship Confiance. Meanwhile, British groud forces in Plattsburgh were repeatedly repulsed. The British were forced to retreat and were denied control of the Great Lakes. Peace Talks and a Surprise AttackWhile the United States and Great Britain were discussing peace, the British wanted to keep their power in the negotiations. So, a large British army led by George Provost attacked 3,000 American soldiers under Alexander Macomb in Plattsburgh, New York, near Lake Champlain. The British also planned to control the lake and attack by land and water. America Defends the Great LakesAmerican naval leader Thomas MacDonough had built a strong fleet the summer before, and helpful lake winds confused the British. The American navy defeated the British ships, including their main ship, the Confiance. At the same time, British ground troops were stopped in Plattsburgh. The British had to retreat, and the Americans kept control of the Great Lakes. |
