Quote:
Originally Posted by Graebarde
What I most recall from the history of the war of 1812.
1. British forces landed in Maryland, marched on Washington, US forces routed, Dolly Madison (presiden't wife) did more to save the 'important things' from the white house with Red Coats at the doors. (Portrait of Washington that still, or did until BO, hangs in the White House.
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This, IIRC, is the only time a US President has attempted to attend a battle. (Lincoln visited the front, but not during active campaigning). The loss is also known as "The Bladensburg Races," as the US militia and some regulars mostly got spooked and ran for it. Some units fought hard (ran out of shot), and the Marines and sailors from the Washington Navy Yard covered the retreat very well.
I remember in 10th grade US history, an actual strategic analysis by my favorite history teacher. He pointed out that the British position in Canada resembled a tree, with its roots in the mouth of the St. Lawrence, and the branches in the Great Lakes. If the Americans wanted to conquer British Canada, the thing to do was to cut down the tree near the roots, not start at the top and work down. Of course, this was politically impossible, as the states north of Pennsylvania weren't really willing participants in the war (some even had some meetings about secession!). East of Lake Ontario, there was no military action to speak of. I've read of a New York militia colonel who sold cattle to the British forces, while in uniform!