Book Review: The War of 1812

[cw1865]

Just finished reading 'The War of 1812 - A Forgotten Conflict' by Donald R. Hickey.

Written chiefly from an American point of view, the book details the causes and course of the war with an emphasis on the contentious relationship between the pro-War Republicans and the anti-war Federalists.

From a tactical perspective, the book details the relative failure of state-based militia forces which, on paper, should have marched into and annexed Canada, but which, in reality, foisted military cohesion making it virtually impossible for the United States to actually project power in the arena which it ostensibly held the greatest advantage - on land.

The book also detailed the serious economic hardships that were imposed on the United States including a breakdown of maritime trade, difficulty raising funds to prosecute the war and complicity among Republicans and Federalists alike who flouted non-importation/trading with the enemy laws.

Diplomatically, the United States, according to the book, probably fared better than could be expected considering the overall strategic situation at the time of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent (The Battle of New Orleans occurs after the Treaty is signed, of course) which essentially restored the status quo ante bellum (status before the war). Notwithstanding, despite an absence of a clause stipulating that the British would no longer impress American sailors, the defeat of Napoleon gave the British no cause to impress sailors after the War's conclusion.

From the point of view of an American living in the 21st Century, the War of 1812 is shocking because of the lack of cohesion that renders the country impotent.

In the context of the Civil War which would occur 50 years later, you can truly see the seeds of sectionalist discontent sprouting.

Also of interest is the role of a cast of charachters which includes Winfield Scott (he wasn't always an old war-horse), Andrew Jackson, et al.

Overall its a well sourced, excellent read for those seeking to examine this period of our history in greater detail.