War of 1812 E45 Washington in Flames: The Day the Capital Fell

By the summer of 1814, the United States was on the defensive. The British had tightened their grip on the war, blockading ports, raiding towns, and forcing the U.S. military into retreat after retreat. Washington was now in their sights, and the American response was scattered at best. This episode covers the events leading up to the burning of Washington, the last stand at Bladensburg, and how a handful of Marines and sailors fought against impossible odds.