BALTIMORE.

The article focuses on the Battle of Baltimore, which took place from September 12 to 15, 1814, during the War of 1812. Tensions between the United States and Britain had escalated, leading to the U.S. declaring war in 1812, but both sides were initially unprepared for conflict. Following the British raid on Washington, D.C., they aimed to attack Baltimore, a significant port city. The American forces, under Major General Samuel Smith and Brigadier General John Stricker, established strong defensive positions, particularly at Fort McHenry, which successfully withstood a British naval bombardment and prevented a ground assault. The British ultimately withdrew, marking a pivotal moment in the war, with the Treaty of Ghent later concluding hostilities in December 1814. [Extracted from the article]