1812: Before and After - America's Great Crises in Our History Told By Its Makers

The year 1812 holds a significant place in American history, with a series of events that shook the nation to its core. It was a time of great crises, during which the United States faced external threats, internal conflicts, and existential challenges that would shape the future of the country.

The Prelude to War: Tensions between America and Britain

In the early 19th century, the United States was still a young nation, struggling to establish its place in the world. Relations with Great Britain were strained, primarily due to conflicts arising from trade restrictions and the impressment of American sailors into the British Navy.

Tensions rose, and the United States sought to assert its sovereignty by declaring war on Britain in June 1812. This decision marked a turning point in American history and set the stage for the great crises that would follow.

America: 1812 Before and After (America, Great Crises In Our History Told by its Makers Book 5)

by Josiah Quincy(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	825 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	236 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The War of 1812: A Nation Divided

The War of 1812 was fought on multiple fronts, both at sea and on land. The conflict tested America's military capabilities, diplomatic standing, and national unity. It was a war that divided the nation, with deep divisions between those who supported the war effort and those who opposed it.

On one hand, proponents of war argued for the defense of American honor and the protection of maritime rights. On the other hand, opponents questioned the wisdom of engaging in a costly conflict with a global superpower.

Battles That Shaped a Nation

During the War of 1812, several battles left an indelible mark on American history. From the iconic Battle of Baltimore that inspired The Star-Spangled Banner to the decisive Battle of New Orleans, these engagements showcased the bravery and determination of American forces.

One of the most notable events of the war was the burning of Washington, D.C., by British forces in August 1814. This devastating act underscored the vulnerability of the young nation and the need for resilience in the face of adversity.

The Aftermath: Lessons Learned and New Beginnings

As the war drew to a close with the Treaty of Ghent in December 1814, America emerged with a renewed sense of national identity. The experiences and challenges faced during the conflicts reshaped the nation's political, military, and cultural landscapes.

One of the lasting impacts of the War of 1812 was the strengthening of the United States' position as an independent power. The war forced Europe to recognize America's sovereignty and its resolve to protect its interests.

Revisiting History Through the Eyes of Makers

Today, we have the privilege of understanding this pivotal period in American history through the accounts of those who experienced it firsthand. The thoughts, writings, and speeches of the makers of history provide invaluable insights into the struggles, triumphs, and aspirations of a young nation.

From President James Madison's war message to the iconic figures such as Andrew Jackson and Francis Scott Key, we can delve into the minds of those who shaped the course of the United States.

By exploring the narratives of these historical figures, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they faced and the principles they fought for. Their stories serve as a reminder of the resilience, determination, and spirit that have defined America throughout its existence.

The crises of 1812 were transformative for the United States. The conflicts and challenges faced during this period shaped the nation's identity, strengthened its resolve, and laid the foundation for its future growth and development.

Through the lens of history and the accounts of those who witnessed these events, we can appreciate the sacrifices made and the lessons learned during this critical time in American history. The narratives from the makers of history allow us to connect with the past and gain valuable insights that inform the present and inspire the future.

America: 1812 Before and After (America, Great Crises In Our History Told by its Makers Book 5)

by Josiah Quincy(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	825 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	236 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

It would be hard to find anything even in fiction more fascinating than
eye-witness accounts of history. Who could describe the events leading
up to the American Revolution better than those who participated in
declaring independence, fighting the war and writing the rules which
govern us.

The fifth volume in this 12 volume series covers the period from 1803 to 1820.
It begins with a description of the early Washington city and ends with a number
of different views of the Missouri Compromise. In between you will read
accounts of the Barbary Pirates, the Hamilton - Burr duel and the exploration of
the west. Finally, after a description of early life in the new United States,
we explore the growing friction between England and the new United States which
lead to the War of 1812 in which the borders between the US and Canada were
established.

To The Series

"After you've heard two eyewitness accounts of an auto accident, you begin to
worry about history." This observation, attributed to the comedian Henny
Youngman, summarizes the dilemma you face when you want to find out what really
happened in the past. When you read a history book, the "facts" are actually the
author's own interpretation, often colored by a conscious or unconscious wish to
have you share a particular point of view. You're one step (or many steps)
removed from the original source material.

That's why the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States compiled this 12-
volume collection of writings of people who actually witnessed the key events in
American history - the actual actors in the events or contemporary observers of
them. Past historians have spent decades locating, studying and consulting vast
amounts of material such as this. This meticulously chosen selection brings you
the essence of history as originally recorded by those who participated in it.

You'll be reading mostly eye-witness accounts, by people contemporary with the
events they describe, including many significant historical figures themselves.
So you can make your own assessments, draw your own s and gain an
understanding of past events undistorted by the prejudices, assumptions and
selectivity of professional historians. In some instances where there aren't
reliable or easily accessible eye-witness accounts, the compilers have chosen
extracts from objective, authoritative historians of past generations such as
Francis Parkman whose judgements have stood the test of time.

The extracts chosen aren't dry as dust: they provide an exciting, highly
readable narrative from the living past. They're part of the primary source
material on which all historical research is based - and these e-books bring
this original, classic reporting to you directly. Through these accounts, your
knowledge of American history will be immeasurably greater, your understanding
of the key events in the building of the nation immensely increased.

Founded in 1899, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is a
nonprofit organization dedicated to foster camaderie among United States
veterans of overseas conflicts, from the Spanish-American War to Iraq and
Afghanistan, and to ensure that they receive due respect and entitlements for
the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of the nation. With
this mission, the VFW has a natural desire to encourage a broad understanding
and appreciation of American history, and this essential collection of
historical documents makes a huge contribution to that aim.

This reissue was scanned, formatted and converted to e-book format by
Library4Science.com with the permission and encouragement of the VFW, to make
the series more accessible to a wider public. The VFW receives 50% of all
royalty revenue from these e-books. This book is about 300 print pages long.