ISBN: 0-87436-968-1
The War of 1812 was a complicated affair. Its origins lay in the byzantine world of European diplomacy, its military campaigns resulted in more frustrating draws than astounding victories, and its end resolved none of its causes. Nevertheless, the war was important because it demonstrated the need for a strong federal government, it stirred a great upswell in nationalism, and it helped spark the economic explosion that historians have come to call the market revolution. Despite the war's importance, however, it has fallen by the wayside in American historiography. Historians often view it as either the end of the New Republic or the beginning of the Age of Jackson. David and Jeanne Heidler's important book, Encyclopedia of the War of 1812 lets the war stand alone in all of its complexities.
The book's greatest strength is its scope. Over five hundred entries describe major figures such as Andrew Jackson, Oliver Hazard Perry, James Madison, and Isaac Brock, as well as a host of minor politicians and officers in the service of both Britain and the United States. Land battles receive extensive coverage. Most campaigns and conflicts came to naught, but the brutal fury of Lundy's Lane (which ended an American invasion of Canada) and the thrilling victory of Old Hickory at New Orleans (which came after the peace treaty had been negotiated) remind the reader that this war was every bit as terrible as others. Much of the war was fought on the water, and the editors have chronicled naval skirmishes, as well as the involvement of privateers. Attention to general topics such as "Antiwar Sentiment," "Artillery," "Financing the War of 1812," and "Naval Strategy" supplement the entries devoted to particular subjects. By including British, Canadian, and Native American topics the editors have produced a multifaceted account of the conflict.
The Creek War, also known as the Redstick War, was very much a part of the War of 1812, and it constituted the bulk of the fighting in the American South. Across what became the state of Alabama, the U.S. Army and several state militias attempted to quell the Redstick uprising. Inspired by the nativism espoused by the Shawnee leader Tecumseh, the Redsticks surprised the United States with an attack on Fort Mims, and only a crushing defeat at Horseshoe Bend ended their resistance. In addition to the battles, entries on the Creek War cover important personalities both native and American, such as William McIntosh and Peter McQueen. Included as well are Tecumseh's ties to the Creeks and an equal number of entries that describe the Shawnees' wartime experiences. The Native American contribution to both the American and the British war efforts has emerged as an important topic lately, and the editors have done a good job of keeping abreast of historiographical trends.
In addition to the various entries, the book is well illustrated with portraits, broadsides, paintings, and political cartoons. Several maps depict the various theaters of war. They illustrate the broad strategic concerns of the combatants, as well as the minute maneuvers and tactical concerns of individual battles. Unfortunately, they are in black and white, which makes it difficult to distinguish between the opposing forces. Several appcndices present various primary sources. From a roll-call vote on the declaration of war to the various French, British, and American decrees that led up to the war to the peace treaty signed at Ghent, readers will have access to all of the important documents associated with the conflict. A detailed time line, glossary, and excellent bibliography round out the Encyclopedia's contents.
The Encyclopedia of the War of 1812 is an excellent resource. Scholars and lay readers interested in early American history will find the book useful for both reference and general reading. It would also be an important addition to libraries because the War of 1812 has received by far the shortest shrift of all the United States' wars. The editors deserve commendation for having produced such a comprehensive and sophisticated reference work on the War of 1812.
JAMES TAYLOR CARSON Queen's University
Copyright University of Alabama Press Jan 2000
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved
In the summer of 1812, the titanic clash of the great European powers was entering its final act. Napoleon Bonaparte, emperor of the French, led a half million men into Russia even as French armies continued their four-year fight with the British on the Iberian Peninsula—the Spanish ulcer, Bonaparte had called it. The wars marked by this final, violent chapter had been going on for almost two decades, spending Europe’s resources and disrupting the peaceful commerce of the world. In June 1812, when the united states of America declared war on great Britain, it was a gesture that seemingly had nothing to do with alliances of old Europe or the colliding egos of bemedaled marshals and proud princes. And yet it had everything to with those things—and more.
"The War of 1812: An Overview," David S. Heidler and Jeanne T. Heidler, Encyclopedia of the War of 1812.
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The British campaign against New Orleans failed for several reasons, but probably the most important one was the amount of time given to Andrew Jackson and the U.S. defenders to prepare a defense of the city. Also, the British never exploited their strengths, such as applying numerical superiority to the right places at the right times. When the major British attack came on 8 January, British morale was low and organization and timing poor, but the redcoats were still buoyed by an ineffable arrogance as they face what they believed to be an inferior enemy. At the end of that day, that belief was as dead as Edward Pakenham.
"The Battle of New Orleans," David S. Heidler and Jeanne T. Heidler, Encyclopedia of the War of 1812.
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When he examined the patient, the surgeon had to determine the nature of the injury and what could be done. For men with shattered limbs, the usual solution was amputation. Wounds in abdominal and thoracic cavities were generally regarded as untreatable. In such cases, the patient was made as comfortable as possible until he died. Others might be suffering from broken bones, lacerations, or gunshot wounds. In such cases the bones were set, the wounds were cleaned (a process that included the removal of musket balls or fragments of metal or wood), bleeding was stopped, and the wound was bandaged.
"Naval Medicine," Harold D. Langley, Encyclopedia of the War of 1812.
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The Lawrence received the brunt of British broadsides and soon became a derelict with 83 or 103 crewmen killed or wounded and all guns disabled. At 2:30 P.M., Perry fired the Lawrence’s last operable fun, struck the battle ensign, and transferred his flag to the Niagara in one of the most dramatic moments in naval history. He rounded up four unwounded crewmen and, standing in the stern of the ship’s cutter—a small boat—with the battle ensign, defied British sharpshooters and rowed the half-mile to the Niagara. Commandant Elliot then embarked in the cutter to direct the gunboats as Perry took charge of the relatively undamaged brig.
"The Lake Erie Campaign," Stanley D. M. Carpenter, Encyclopedia of the War of 1812.