Civil War Of 1812: American Citizens, British Subjects, Irish Rebels, & Indian Allies (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
I enjoyed reading this book. I gave it only 3 stars because at times it simply bogged down and became difficult to read. Had I not been a huge history buff who felt my understanding of the War of 1812 was a bit on the weak side, I would have stopped partway through. It was worth wading through. It helped put the War in perspective. It addresses how the American dream of Manifest Destiny excluded Canada simply because our troops did a bit too much pillaging and looting when they took the battles to the Canadian side of the border and vice versa for the British/Canadian/Indian forces. It also helped put the American Victory at New Orleans in perspective. I learned in school that this battle occurred after the war was over. A half truth it seems. The treaty of Ghent was agreed to in principal but not yet ratified. The American Victory helped assure both side that its provisions were appropriate. It also helped convince the British military that they really did not want to go to war with American forces again. Many in the British Military felt they could whip us if given a second chance after the Revolution. Sound familiar? Though I enjoyed this book, my one complaint is a big one. This is not a general history of the War of 1812. It only covers a tiny portion of the war, which is the civil war between Canada and the U.S. You will learn nothing about "Old Ironsides," the Burning of Washington, Battle of Fort Henry, or the Battle of New Orleans. For me, those were the most interesting parts of the war. Despite, I still like this book and would recommend it. It manages to be both very detailed and readable.
What do You think about Civil War Of 1812: American Citizens, British Subjects, Irish Rebels, & Indian Allies (2014)?
I have to admit, this book makes a little-known part of our history pretty interesting.
—falkirks
