When the United States declared war on Great Britain in 1812 and invaded Canada, what it thought would be a quick campaign turned into a divisive nightmare for the young republic that went on for almost three years. That there was no clear winner has allowed all sides to claim victory, and historians with their national biases have promoted many myths and misconceptions to suit their interpretations.
This path-breaking book by America's leading authority on the War of 1812 seeks to separate fact from fiction and myth from reality. Few issues escape Don Hickey's reach, from minor episodes that have entered folklore replete with errors to major controversies. He examines the role of Britons, Canadians, and Americans; Indians, blacks, and women; soldiers, sailors, and marines. His work embraces military and naval history, political and diplomatic history, and economic and commercial history.
The book asks some basic questions: When did the war begin and when did it end? Who took the first scalp and who captured the first prize? What was the role of Canadian traitor Joseph Willcocks, Mohawk leader John Norton, pirate Jean Laffite, and American naval hero Lucy Baker? Who killed the Shawnee chief Tecumseh and who shot the British general Isaac Brock? How important was the Pennsylvania rifle and how effective was the Congreve rocket? How did the symbol "Uncle Sam" originate and when did the phrase "War of 1812" come into general usage.
The book also asks some big questions, sometimes presenting controversial answers: What caused the war? Was the declaration of war a bluff? Who were the best and worst officers? Who were the unsung heroes? Who actually won the war? And what was the war's legacy?
This entertaining, informative, and provocative study by the author of the award-winning book The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict is certain to stir debate and become an indispensable source on this pivotal conflict in North American history.
