A Miserable War

Until the occupation in Iraq turned ugly, the War of 1812 looked obscure and confusing. By 2007, however, it has begun to look eerie. In 1812 and in 2002, there were similar underlying motives: the liberation of another country from tyranny in favour of American-style democracy and the pursuit of resources. In both cases there were improbable pretexts—in 1812, it was British conduct on the high seas. Likewise, Washington’s campaign planners had expected a “cakewalk” from Detroit into Canada and a joyous welcome from the inhabitants, but instead of flowers and candy there was outrage. Where victories did occur, there were never enough troops to hold the territory. The secretary of defence, it turned out, had had no real plan for the war, and after sporadic fighting a beleaguered President Madison, seeking re-election, found himself shunned even by members of his own party. Despite growing anti-war sentiment, alarmed Americans re-elected him with a majority. Still, his war...