In many eyes, the War of 1812 was a continuation of the Revolution. At the time, Great Britain was doing battle with the French, and needed to stop trade between them and the Yanks, toot-sweet. The Royal Navy did this by “impressing” American sailors, forcing them into British service.

In spring of 1812, President James Madison declared war. The move pitted the young nation against the greatest Naval power in the world. But the Americans would win the first 5 battles against the British, the first time in history that the British would lose ships in single combat.

You’re listening to The Glory of The Yankee Navy, composed by John Philip Sousa, and performed by his Band in 1926.

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