What was captured and burned by British forces during the War of 1812?

During the War of 1812, British forces captured and burned Washington D.C. in August 1814. This event was significant because it represented a pivotal moment in the war, demonstrating the vulnerability of the United States' capital and its ability to be attacked. The British targeted Washington as a direct response to American actions in Canada, including the burning of York (now Toronto). The burning of public buildings, including the Capitol and the White House, aimed to bolster British morale and retaliate against perceived American aggression. This event inspired the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key during the subsequent Battle of Baltimore, marking it as a crucial moment in American history.