Abstract:
In 1812, the United States declared war on the world’s greatest military power, Great Britain. It was a conflict America did not want, and had little hope of winning. Led by a fragile, tentative president, her government was often at war with itself. Her military commanders were incompetent. The army was a shambles. And she possessed virtually no navy. Yet Britain would underestimate the character of “Little” Jimmy Madison and the determination of the American people. Leaders would be made, heroes would be born, and respect would be earned.