For many Americans today, the War of 1812 is all but unknown. Some may remember that it gave us
our national anthem; a few will recall that it ended with an unnecessary but victorious
battle at New Orleans. But beyond this historical trivia, the War of 1812 has left little to the popular memory.
But did you know that an entire region of the United States opposed the war's declaration, withheld supplies, refused to commit troops, and even threatened to secede from the union in protest?
Did you know that in many battles the soldiers simply refused to fight?
Did you know that the political future of
one of America's most important presidents was launched by this war?
Did you know that
the most important First Lady of the nineteenth century subtly strengthened the presidency and reorganized the political arena during this war?
Did you know that there was actually a war within the war? And that while one ended inconclusively, the other was brought to a final and portentous end?
Read on, and the War of 1812 will become more to you than a patriotic song.