The decision to to go war in 1812 was hardly a unanimous one among Americans. many were uninterested in starting a war with Great Britain, still healing and rebuilding from the last one. But when the conflict became inevitable, the people of this newly formed nation were forced -- willingly or not -- to come together in defense of their common homeland.
As a young nation, the United States and its people were still figuring out their role in a broader context. What did it mean to be an American? What did it mean to be a citizen? What role would people of color play in this democracy? What about women? The War of 1812 was an opportunity for Americans to figure out what "American" really meant, and test by fire the concept of democracy. The Americans who contributed to the War of 1812 represented every aspect of a diverse American society: men, women, people of all races and backgrounds. This conflict allowed the citizens of the diverse American state to unite, to better understand themselves, and to better understand each other.
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Charles Ball escaped slavery to join the US Navy flotilla & served with distinction during the War of 1812, participating in Battles of St. Leonard Creek and Bladensburg in 1814.
A slave in the service of Dolley and James Madison for 48 years, Paul Jennings has provided valuable insight into their character, as well as life for a slave in the White House.
Serving at sea was an easy way for men of color – free or especially enslaved – to escape bondage and the prejudices of land. At sea, men came from all over the world, practicing many religions, representing many ethnicities and many backgrounds. George Roberts found freedoms as a simple sailor that did not exist on land.
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Jordan B. Noble
Jordan B. Noble began his life in slavery, but he died as a revered war hero. This drummer boy of the Battle of New Orleans was a mainstay of War of 1812 commemorations until his death in 1890.
Mary Young Pickersgill was the Betsy Ross of the War of 1812 generation: a gifted seamstress who carved a place for herself in history as the maker of one of America’s great icons.
Dolley Madison is fondly remembered as a gracious hostess and the brave savior of priceless White House artifacts before its burning in 1814. But more importantly, she helped define the political and social role of a first lady.
- Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial
Oliver Hazard Perry
Oliver Hazard Perry was the hero of the Great Lakes, leading the fledgling American fleet to victory against the powerful Royal Navy of Great Britain.
Lieutenant General Winfield Scott, the “Grand Old Man of the Army,” has the distinction of serving as a general longer than any other man in American history. He is remembered as a brilliant tactician, responsible for the “Anaconda Plan” that allowed the Union forces to reclaim the South during the Civil War, and the author of the primary tactical guidebook in use from 1815 through the Civil War.
Henry Clay, lawyer, politician and skilled speaker, was known as the Great Compromiser for his role in brokering compromises in Congress on the issue of slavery in the first half of the 19th century.
Isaac Chauncey was a tactical engineer and master of the logistics of battle that helped the United States Navy grow a world-class fleet on the Great Lakes that would challenge the Royal Navy.
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Last updated: June 2, 2015