War of 1812 E47 New Orleans Held, A Nation Changed
The War of 1812 ended in a way that left plenty of room for debate. Depending on who you ask, it was either a hard-fought victory, a necessary defense, or a war that should have never happened. What isn’t up for debate is the role the Marine Corps and the Navy played in shaping its outcome. From the defense of New Orleans to the actions of privateers on the open sea, Marines were there, boarding enemy ships, manning fortifications, and holding the line.
Yet, their contributions are often overlooked in favor of more well-known figures like Andrew Jackson. Today, we’re setting the record straight. We’ll break down the impact of the Corps during this war, the political and military shifts that followed, and how America, fresh off this conflict, found itself immediately preparing for another one. This time against the Barbary pirates of Algiers.
*************
Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).
Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.
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.