Why did the British want to capture the cities of Washington and New Orleans during the war of 1812?

Answer 1

Washington is the capital of the United states and New Orleans served as one of the most needed ports to the Americans during the War of 1812. To bad Andrew Jackson killed all of them before they could even reach New Orleans. =O

Answer 2

The classic European war strategy was to capture the enemy's largest city or capital. New York was the largest city (or possibly Philadelphia, which was also quite large), so it was logical for the British Army to capture it and occupy it. The British did this, and then waited for the Continental Army to surrender, but Washington ignored it and kept on fighting. This caught the British by surprise.

Answer 3

It was important for British to conquer New Amsterdam because New York was in their way of their trading route, so the British took over and their trading route became much convenient.

Answer 4

Because New Orleans was port and Washington was because that was where the president was.