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The Civil War of 1812 - Part 1
Feb. 4th, 2011 10:03 amSo, I've been reading a fascinating book lately, The Civil War of 1812: American Citizens, British Subjects, Irish Rebels, & Indian Allies
. Written by an American history professor, it's a history of a war most Americans know little about - the War of 1812. Although not clear from the title, the book focuses almost entirely on the least-remembered (for Americans) part of the war - the bloody and disastrous attempt by America to conquer (at least) Upper Canada, now the province of Ontario.
I'll have some thoughts on the historical relevance of the book in a later post, but here are some mini-thoughts. Consider them mental appetizers.
1) The American troops, militia and regulars, were terrified of Indians. Terrified to the point that several retreats and surrenders were provoked by the simple expedient of the British parading their Indian allies in view of the Americans.
2) Professor Taylor, the author, starts his story shortly after the American Revolution. This allows him to discuss such things as an attempt by Vermont to seize Upper Canada and create (with Vermont) a new country! This attempt was taken seriously enough that the French, in the midst of a war, sent 20,000 muskets and 24 cannon to the plotters.
3) Even relying on cheap militia, by 1815, the United States was bankrupt. Troops hadn't been paid in months, and there was no money for supplies. Only a willingness by the British, exhausted from the Napoleonic Wars, to sacrifice their Indian allies, led to a peace. Madison turned this stalemate into a propaganda victory.
4) Speaking of militia, the reliance on militia to conduct an offensive campaign far from their bases was the height of folly, amazing even in a war full of stupid American decisions. The hardest thing for any army to do is move, especially under fire. Militias had been unreliable even during the Revolution, a fact used to American advantage at the Battle of Cowpens. Militia could hold a fortified position, but not move effectively.
Even worse, by 1812, militia training in the Eastern states was little more than an annual parade followed by a kegger. Aggravating this, the British Army of 1812 was not the same army as in 1776. After over a decade of fighting in Europe, the British officers and NCOs were experienced, competent and tough-minded people.
At any rate, more thoughts to follow.
. Written by an American history professor, it's a history of a war most Americans know little about - the War of 1812. Although not clear from the title, the book focuses almost entirely on the least-remembered (for Americans) part of the war - the bloody and disastrous attempt by America to conquer (at least) Upper Canada, now the province of Ontario.I'll have some thoughts on the historical relevance of the book in a later post, but here are some mini-thoughts. Consider them mental appetizers.
1) The American troops, militia and regulars, were terrified of Indians. Terrified to the point that several retreats and surrenders were provoked by the simple expedient of the British parading their Indian allies in view of the Americans.
2) Professor Taylor, the author, starts his story shortly after the American Revolution. This allows him to discuss such things as an attempt by Vermont to seize Upper Canada and create (with Vermont) a new country! This attempt was taken seriously enough that the French, in the midst of a war, sent 20,000 muskets and 24 cannon to the plotters.
3) Even relying on cheap militia, by 1815, the United States was bankrupt. Troops hadn't been paid in months, and there was no money for supplies. Only a willingness by the British, exhausted from the Napoleonic Wars, to sacrifice their Indian allies, led to a peace. Madison turned this stalemate into a propaganda victory.
4) Speaking of militia, the reliance on militia to conduct an offensive campaign far from their bases was the height of folly, amazing even in a war full of stupid American decisions. The hardest thing for any army to do is move, especially under fire. Militias had been unreliable even during the Revolution, a fact used to American advantage at the Battle of Cowpens. Militia could hold a fortified position, but not move effectively.
Even worse, by 1812, militia training in the Eastern states was little more than an annual parade followed by a kegger. Aggravating this, the British Army of 1812 was not the same army as in 1776. After over a decade of fighting in Europe, the British officers and NCOs were experienced, competent and tough-minded people.
At any rate, more thoughts to follow.
