The War of 1812 remains one of the most obscure major conflicts in US history, often overshadowed by the monumentous events that came before and after. Indeed, when it is remembered at all, it is often as a minor spat between the United States and the United Kingdom that ended with the burning of the White House and the victory of Andrew Jackson at New Orleans.
The war, however, was much more than that. It marked a new milestone for the US as an independent nation, proving that it could still hold its own against the military might of Britain. It was also a pivotal moment for Canada, whose staunch opposition to multiple US invasions led to the formation of a Canadian national identity for the first time. And, of course, it was a watershed moment for the many Native American nations of the northwest, who rose up in resistance to US encroachment only to be abandoned by their British allies and crushed under the weight of US imperialism. As one historian said, it is difficult to say who won the War of 1812, but it is only too clear that the Native Americans lost it.
This collection explores 14 of the key battles that made up the War of 1812. Together, they create a narrative detailing one of the formative events in the young history of the United States, one that, despite all odds, continues to resonate today.
