The War of 1812

Joe Mantegna narrates this PBS-aired documentary about America's “forgotten war,” one that tested the young nation and is now remembered chiefly for the creation of the national anthem and the fact that British forces torched the White House. Filmmakers Lawrence Hott and Diane Garey's The War of 1812 weaves together dramatic re-enactments, CGI animation, archival materials, and expert commentary, tracing the origins of the conflict to a number of British issues, including that nation's desire to cut off world trade to France during the Napoleonic campaigns, her penchant for impressing deserting British sailors off American ships, and her perceived role in inciting Native Americans to resist the U.S. government's attempts to extend influence to the Western territories. At first, American conduct of the operation was a far from glorious campaign, often relying on aging and incompetent commanders and leading to three disastrous invasions of Canada. The documentary does a good job of explaining the tactics, battles, and colorful personalities of the heroes and scoundrels on all sides of the hostilities, which ended in a stalemate. Ironically, the most memorable American victory was Andrew Jackson's rout of the British troops at the 1815 Battle of New Orleans, which occurred after a peace treaty was signed in Europe. The big losers were the Native American tribes, who paid dearly in land loss for siding against the American cause. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)