Description

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, Don t Give Up the Ship ; and Andrew Jackson s ragged force stood behind it s cotton bales at New Orleans and bested the pride of British regulars. Here are the stories of commanding generals such as America s double-dealing James Wilkinson, Great Britain s gallant Sir Isaac Brock, Canada s 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 and — with both humiliating and glorious moments — found the fire that was to forge a nation.This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.