What Happened in the Battle between the USS Constitution & the HMS Guerriere?

The US Frigate Constitution defeated and captured the HMS Guerriere during the Battle of 1812.

History

In 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain in response to British interference with trade, the forced recruitment of American citizens into the British navy and English support of Native Americans in their struggles with the United States.

The Combatants

The US Frigate Constitution was commanded by Captain Isaac Hull, while the HMS Guerriere, also a frigate, was under the command of Captain James Dacres.

Prelude to Battle

The Constitution sailed from Boston on Aug. 2, 1812, on a raiding mission against the British in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. On Aug. 18, Hull learned that a British frigate had been spotted to the south. The next day, a sail was spotted in waters about 400 miles south of the British base at Halifax.

The Battle

After both ships fired volleys that did little damage, the two vessels pulled alongside one another at about 6 p.m. For 15 minutes the two ships exchanged broadsides at close range. Though the Guerriere had more cannons, the Constitution's fire was more accurate and eventually destroyed the main mast of the British ship, which was forced to surrender at 7 p.m. The Guerriere was beyond repair and was burned.

Why It Mattered

The British navy was regarded as the most powerful in the world, and the Constitution's victory had a tremendous impact on American morale. The victory was the first of several for the Americans, proving pivotal in winning the war and establishing the United States as a world power.