1. The War of 1812: When Canada Burned Down the White House
America tried invading British North America (future Canada), and it backfired spectacularly. British troops and Canadian militia repelled the invasion, then marched south and set Washington ablaze in 1814. The White House and Capitol went up in flames. Americans still debate whether it was “technically” Canada that burned the presidential mansion. The war ended in stalemate but established boundaries and mutual respect.
