The following list is alphabetical.

Americans

British and Canadians | Amerindians

Isaac Chauncey commanded the American Naval forces on Lake Ontario during the War of 1812. Unlike Oliver Hazard Perry on Lake Erie, Chauncey was not able to completely defeat the British fleet on Ontario, though he emeged successful in several encounters with his opponent. Chauncey's fleet was instrumental in achieving American invasions into Upper Canada, particularly on the Niagara frontier.

Major General Henry Dearborn

Henry Dearborn commanded American military forces on the Niagara frontier in the year 1813. Dearborn led the American troops at the Battle of York, capturing the capital of Upper Canada. He successfully captured British Fort George and occupied much of the Niagara Peninsula during the 1813 campaign. However, the American troops were eventually pushed back, while Dearborn was succeeded by Major General James Wilkinson.

Major General Wade Hampton

Wade Hampton led the American invasion into Lower Canada by the way of the Chateauguay River in the fall of 1813. Hampton's force encountered the Canadian defense force commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Charles de Salaberry. In the ensuing Battle of Chateuaguay, Hampton's force was defeated, and the American force retreated. Hampton did not attempt another invasion of Lower Canada.

William Henry Harrison

Source: The War of 1812, by Don Lawson

William Henry Harrison is mainly known for his achievements in frontier territories. While serving under various commanders, and as commander himself, Harrison opened many Amerindian lands to American settlers. Naturally, the Amerindians fought back, and Harrison was responsible for the defense of the new settlements.

A serious threat appeared when Shawnee Chief Tecumseh pressed for a confederacy of the Amerindian tribes. Harrison lead a force against the Amerindians and defeated the at the Battle of Tippecanoe.

During the War of 1812, Harrison received the rank of Brigadier General and commanded the Northwest Army on the Detroit frontier. He successfully pushed back the British forces in 1813, re-captured Detroit, taken earlier by British General Isaac Brock, and defeated the British forces at the Battle of the Thames, when Tecumseh was killed.

After the war, Harrison was nominated for President and died in office in 1841.

General Andrew Jackson

Source: The War of 1812, by Reginald Horsman

Andrew Jackson was in charge of repulsing the British invasion into the southeastern United States. During the Battle of New Orleans, Jackson managed to repulse the British attack on January 8, 1815 with minimal losses to himself and disastrous damage to the enemy. Jackson's victory at New Orleans served to convince the American people that the War of 1812 was a success.

President James Madison

Source: The War of 1812, by Reginald Horsman

James Madison served as President Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State when the events leading up to the War of 1812 took place. He was elected President in 1808, when the United States became caught up in the war between Great Britain and Napoleon.

A political group known as the War Hawks was pushing for an agressive policy towards Great Britain. Because of this and other factors, Madison signed the declaration of war in 1812. He present at the signing of the Peace Treaty of Ghent on December 24, 1814.

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry

Source: The War of 1812, by Peter I. Bosco

Oliver Hazard Perry, who entered the United States Navy at the age of 13, commanded the American fleet on Lake Erie in the year 1813. He strengthened his squadron until he was able to leave the safety of the Presque Isle harbor and give battle to the British fleet. Perry's fleet numbered nine well-equipped ships, while the British had six vessels, in bad fighting condition. Perry defeated the British squadron and captured all six of the enemy's ships. He gained complete control of Lake Erie and won much respect for the victory. Perry was the first person in history to bring back an entire squadron as a prize of war.

Major General Stephan Van Rensselaer

Stephan Van Rensselaer commanded the American troops at the Battle of Queenston Heights. He had no sufficient military experience to command a large-scale invasion. Some of his officers were in disagreement with the general as to the plan of the battle, which further decreased the chance of American victory. The American forces took Queenston Heights, but were unable to hold the position, and many were killed or captured. Rensselaer retired from military duty not long after the defeat.

Major General James Wilkinson