War of 1812 E40 Impressment, Trade Wars, and Canada: The Path to 1812

The War of 1812 is one of the most misunderstood conflicts in American history. It wasn’t just a war between the United States and Britain—it drew in Canada, Native American nations, and the world's most powerful navy. Some saw it as a second war for independence, while others saw it as an unnecessary gamble.

In this episode, we break down the key events that fueled tensions, from British impressment of American sailors to crippling trade restrictions and frontier conflicts. We’ll explore how the Marines adapted leading up to the war and why Madison’s grand strategy proved disastrous.

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References:

Abbot, W. J. (1899). The naval history of the United States. New York: Peter Fenelon Collier.

Brenton, E. P. (1970). The naval history of Great Britain: from the year Mdcclxxxiii. to Mdcccxxxvi. London: H. Colburn.

Cooper, J. F. (1856). History of the Navy of the United States of America: continued to 1856. New York: Stringer & Townsend.

Dundonald, T. E. of. (1860). The autobiography of a seaman. London: Bentley.

James, W., & Chamier, F. (1847). The naval history of Great Britain, from the declaration of war by France in 1793, to the accession of George Iv. London: R. Bentley.

Marshall, J. (1835). Royal Naval Biography: Or, Memoirs of the Services of All the Flag-Officers, Superannuated Rear-Admirals, Retired-Captains, Post-Captains, and Commanders. Place of publication not identified: publisher not identified.

Miller, W. M., & Tyson, C. A. (1965). A chronology of the United States Marine Corps. Washington: Historical Branch, G-3 Division Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

Roosevelt, T. (2011). The Naval War of 1812, or, The history of the United States Navy during the last war with Great Britain: to which is appended an account of the Battle of New Orleans. United States: publisher not identified.