The War of 1812: Writings from America's Second War of Independence (LOA #232)

A first-of-its-kind collection of letters, speeches, and other writings from the War of 1812 that provides a rich panorama of the conflicts that helped shape the future of the United States

On June 18, 1812, the United States formally declared war for the first time. President James Madison’s call to arms against Great Britain provoked outpourings of patriotic fervor and vigorous—some said treasonous—domestic opposition. Over the next three years the War of 1812 would prove as divisive as it was rich in nationalist myth-making: We have met the enemy, and he is ours . . . Don’t give up the ship! . . . Oh, say can you see . . . .

Here is the first comprehensive collection of…