The War of 1812

One of the least understood conflicts in American history, the War of 1812--a two-year battle between the United States and Britain--ultimately resulted in the creation of Canada, ended the U.S. “Manifest Destiny”-driven encroachment on northeastern lands, and effectively killed any hope for an independent United Native American nation. The first volume of the four-part The War of 1812 opens at the dawn of the 19th century as tensions build between the British, Native Americans, and Americans: after the British, engaged in battle against Napoleon Bonaparte, started building their forces through the conscription of American sailors, the United States declared war and sought to drive the British out of North America and therefore claim Canada's vast natural resources. The second and third volumes trace the course of the war, while the fourth concludes with the pivotal Battle of Ft. McHenry, the signing of the peace treaty at Ghent in Belgium on December 24, 1816, and the horrific battle at New Orleans (before news of the peace could arrive) in which the British lost over 2,000 men, one-third of their total casualties for the war. Viewers will learn that the First Nations (Native Americans) lost over 20% of their population in the war (more than the Americans and British combined) and witness the discovery of the Snake Hill Cemetery, where the bodies of 24 American soldiers were unearthed and returned home for full military burial. Combining excellent dramatic recreations, stunning cinematography, and voiceover narration of primary source materials such as letters, diaries, and speeches, The War of 1812 brings a Canadian perspective to this historical event, increasing our understanding of a war that has all but vanished from public consciousness. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)