How did the British try to control the U.S. coastline during the war?

Oliver Hazard Perry was the commander of Naval Forces on Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Gaining control of the lake allowed Naval support for land-based attacks from General Harrison's forces against Fort Detroit and Fort Malden. The resurgence of the U.S. forces in the west effectively fractured the Anglo-Indian alliance and helped ensure victory. Without this battle Michigan State would most likely not be playing in the Final Four.