America's First Crisis

Robert P. Watson is Professor of American Studies at Lynn University. His many books include The Obama Presidency: A Preliminary Assessment, George W. Bush: Evaluating the President at Midterm, and Life in the White House: A Social History of the First Family and the President's House; all published by SUNY Press. He lives in Boca Raton, Florida.

"...Watson's book is a joy to read." — Journal of America's Military Past"…Watson's account provides a very sweeping overview of the important persons and military events of the war. His writing style is breezy, readable, and reflective of a journalistic approach to writing history … readers not familiar with the war but wanting to learn more about it will find Watson's book a quick read and a useful introduction to the conflict." — On Point"Watson has produced a highly readable and lively account of the key battles, commanders, and events of this 'forgotten war.' Watson presents this important war as not only unnecessary and filled with intrigue, but a conflict that ended up shaping both American nationalism and the geopolitical future of the continent. This book accomplishes its goal of providing a new understanding of the importance of this underappreciated war." — Richard M. Yon, United States Military Academy"This thorough, informative, and engaging narrative of the War of 1812 will be of great interest to scholars, students, and anyone interested in military history and American politics. It brings battles from over two hundred years ago to life and illustrates why studying this war is essential to understanding conflicts over US foreign and defense policy today. It combines skillful historical research with careful attention to major institutional developments in the American political system." — Meena Bose, Hofstra University"Professor Watson provides marvelous insights into America's first declared—though least known and understood—war. From British impressments to diplomatic missteps, the reasons for this war that almost started in 1807 are illuminated. The rookie mistakes that nearly cost America her newly won independence, the defensive stands that serve as a source of pride for many Canadians, and the exhausted adventures of British crusaders are brought to life, as the characters, ships, and battles are described with vivid detail and in a straightforward manner. This book will please students of American history interested in both diplomacy and war and also satisfy the casual reader looking for greater knowledge and awareness about the War of 1812." — Sean D. Foreman, coeditor of The Roads to Congress 2012

• PrefaceThe Forgotten War 1. "The Silliest Damned War"2. Stumbling Toward War3. The Chesapeake Affair4. "Leopardized"Drumbeats 5. Land, Empire, and Intrigue6. The Indian Question7. Tippecanoe and the Course of History8. A Declaration of War"On to Canada" 9. The Invasion Begins10. The Battle of Queenston Heights11. Three-Pronged Disaster12. "Remember the Raisin"1813 13. The Sacking of York14. Victories at Last15. The Battles of Stoney Creek and Beaver Dams16. The Battle of ThamesThe High Seas 17. The Making of a Navy18. A New Generation of Heroes19. Blockade20. The Cursed ChesapeakeThe Great Lakes Theater 21. "We Have Met the Enemy and They Are Ours"22. The Battle of the Carpenters23. Saving Canada24. Turning the Tables on the Invaders1814 25. Canada’s Bloodiest Battle26. Victory on Lake Champlain27. "The Bladensburg Races"28. The Burning of the White HouseTurning Points29. The Defense of Baltimore30. "Oh Say Can You See"31. The Siege of Fort Erie32. The Battle of Horseshoe BendEchoes 33. The Southern Campaign34. The Treaty of Ghent35. The Battle of New Orleans36. The Making of a NationAppendixNotesSelect BibliographyAbout the AuthorIndex