USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The burning of Washington was a British invasion of Washington City (now Washington, D.C.), the capital of the United States, during the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. It is the only time since the American Revolutionary War that a foreign power has captured and occupied the capital of the United States.

Detailed explanation-2: -A Most Magnificent Ruin: The Burning of the Capitol during the War of 1812. In retaliation for the Americans’ recent burning of the Canadian capital at York (Toronto), British troops descended on Washington, D.C., to set fire to much of the city.

Detailed explanation-3: -During the War of 1812, the British were urged to attack the former colonies after American troops attacked Canada and burned government buildings. Washington was picked as the target because of its symbolic importance, its easy access from the sea, and the inability of inexperienced American troops to defend it.