America at War

1812 was not a kind year for the United States. All of the campaigns in the border regions between the United States and British Canada had failed. The only bright spot was the war at sea. Britannia may have ruled the waves, but the frigates of the United States Navy gave the Admiralty pause. The USS Constitution in particular made a name for herself in the fall of 1812, defeating two British frigates over the course of several months. While these victories did not spell doom for the royal navy's sovereignty over the seven seas, it did plant some seeds of doubt. Join us in understanding the importance of these victories in 1812.

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After war was declared, Canada beckoned. The Americans, decided for a multi-pronged approach to the campaign of 1812. Henry Dearborn decided that an attack against Montreal, British fortifications across from Detroit and the Niagara River would compel the British back to the negotiation table. Unfortunately, rather than a quick victory, the Americans were repulsed at every turn, symptomatic of the lack of realistic planning and an uneven mobilization. Take a listen!

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Congress declared war on Great Britain in June, 1812. The United States was ill-prepared to initiate a campaign against British Canada but was optimistic nevertheless. President Madison wanted to bring the British back to the bargaining table by using force. Preoccupied with the war in Europe, the British had a thin crust of Red Coats and local militia along the border to defend their interests. As Madison would find out in the ensuing months, it was easy to declare war, but exceedingly difficult to prosecute one.

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The War of 1812 was symptomatic of the ongoing struggle between Britain and France in central and western Europe. The United States of America endeavored to stay above the fray, but saw its rights as a neutral carrier attacked by both the French and the English. This issue, along with the impressment of American sailors and the perceptions of British interference along the western frontier all contributed to the origins of the war. It was by means inevitable, but once the ball got rolling, it was difficult to stop. Please take a listen!

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Thomas Jefferson easily won a second term at President of the United States. Unfortunately, as the war between Napoleonic France and Great Britain flared up, the United States was caught in the middle. The British impressed American sailors in the Royal Navy and restricted American merchants from trading as a neutral power. Desperate to avoid war, Jefferson attempted to coerce Britain through an embargo to gain concessions from the crown. His policies failed and set up the conditions for another war with Great Britain.

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Well, we've reached 50 episodes! This is a short podcast thanking you dear listeners and touching on where we've been and where we are going for the next 50 episodes. Thanks for listening!

Thomas Jefferson was upset. Rather than pay tribute and ransom for American sailors held by the Barbary States of North Africa, Jefferson went to war. Taking advantage of the navy, he blockaded the port of Tripoli, hoping to extract some concessions. While the war ultimately failed in its stated purpose, the conflict fostered the continued professionalism of the US Navy and established a precedent of the American navy protecting the country's interests overseas. Thanks for listening!

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Zebulon Pike's explorations of the upper reaches of the Mississippi River, the Rocky Mountains, and the southwest are not as well know as his peers, Lewis and Clark. Pike's career was tied to James Wilkinson, the highest ranking officer in the Louisiana Purchase. Wilkinson was an unsavory character whose long shadow has obscured the importance of Pike's accomplishments. Taken together, Lewis, Clark, and Pike cemented the Army's reputation for their professionalism and the role the Army would play in the exploration and settlement of the west. NOTE: The audio is scratchy. Sorry about that! Please take a listen!

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One of the most memorable events of Thomas Jefferson's administration was the expedition to the Pacific Ocean led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Jefferson took advantage of a unique opportunity and purchased from France what today we know as the Midwest - the drainages of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The expedition established American sovereignty over the new lands as well as exploring the Pacific Northwest and the Columbia River drainage. The expedition reminds us of the role the US Army had in exploring and administering. Enjoy!

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With the election of Thomas Jefferson, the era of the Federalists was over. Jefferson immediately began to distance himself from federalist policies. This is the first of several episodes that will explore Jefferson's relationship with the military. Jefferson made several changes, shrinking the size of the standing army and reducing the size of the officer corps. Jefferson established a politically neutral officer corps, removing officers not committed to the new administration. He also established the US Military Academy at West Point, New York, to inoculate the officer corps with Jeffersonian values. His first steps in reorienting the Army were successful.

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