The War of 1812

Arguably, the War of 1812 not only began but also witnessed some of its largest casualties due to a slow dispatch service. The original conflict, which launched the war between the U.S. and the British, stemmed from the impressment (i.e., forced conscription) of U.S. seamen by the English to fight against Napoleon. However, unbeknownst to President James Madison, who declared war on Great Britain, the British Parliament repealed the statute allowing for impressment weeks prior to the firing of the first shot. Three years later a peace treaty was signed in Ghent, Belgium--two full weeks before one of the most devastating battles of the war took place. This double-disc set, featuring five full History Channel and A&E programs, opens with "First Invasion: The War of 1812," which combines computer graphics and live-action recreations to examine the issues of impressment and maritime rights, as well as provide a “play-by-play” account of the major battles at Baltimore, Washington D.C., and the Battle of New Orleans. The other programs include "Save Our History: Star-Spangled Banner," which looks at the genesis of Francis Scott Key's famous anthem; “The Ironclads,” on the powerful warships used in battle; the Biography episode "Andrew Jackson: A Man for the People," and "The Battle of New Orleans." However, there is little mention of the interests of the Canadians and Native Americans in the programs, specifically how the U.S. policy of “manifest destiny” resulted in the creation of Canada, or on the broken treaties with the First Nations indigenous peoples (covered in more detail in the National Film Board of Canada's excellent The War of 1812 [VL-9/04]). DVD extras include a behind-the-scenes look at "First Invasion," and "Surviving an 1812 Battleship" episode from the Extreme History series, hosted by The Who's Roger Daltrey. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P (L. Stevens)