1812: The War That Forged a Nation

About this book

Without question this is the best popular account of the last war fought between the United States and Great Britain. . . . In a gripping narrative the author not only explains the importance of the War of 1812 but vividly recreates its exciting land and sea battles. Robert V. Remini author of The Life of Andrew Jackson Although frequently overlooked between the American Revolution and the Civil War the War of 1812 tested a rising generation of American leaders; unified the United States with a renewed sense of national purpose; and set the stage for westward expansion from Mackinac Island to the Gulf of Mexico. USS Constitution "Old Ironsides " proved the mettle of the fledgling American navy; Oliver Hazard Perry hoisted a flag boasting "Dont Give Up the Ship"; and Andrew Jacksons ragged force stood behind its cotton bales at New Orleans and bested the pride of British regulars. Here are the stories of commanding generals such as Americas double-dealing James Wilkinson Great Britains gallant Sir Isaac Brock Canadas heroine farm wife Laura Secord and country doctor William Beanes whose capture set the stage for Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner." During the War of 1812 the United States cast off its cloak of colonial adolescence andwith both humiliating and glorious momentsfound the fire that was to forge a nation.