The Battle of Baltimore 1814

The scope of this book is in fact far more broad than its title implies. Not only does the author cover the events surrounding the Battle for Baltimore, he gives a quite thorough study of the causes of the war and all the operations in the Chesapeake area. Mr. Whitehorne has a very readable style and manages to give a refreshingly unbiased examination of the background leading up to the declaration of war in June 1812. His explanation of the political climate in the U.S. in the years prior to 1812 is insightful and in depth. He points out the reasons for the lack of consensus between the maritime states with much to lose and the interior states with everything to gain in an invasion of Canada.

British policy for this coastal war in the Washington region is analyzed and found to be somewhat counterproductive. Instead of dividing an undecided American public, the Chesapeake raids forge a strong sense of resistance and nationalism. All of the preliminary and diversionary attacks leading up to Bladensburg are examined, giving detailed accounts of events and personalities. One of the interesting similarities to our own era is the exaggerated reactions of the press to events. Relatively minor British retaliations to American resistance are described as atrocities.

These operations were tiny by European standards and were diversionary in nature. The intent was to relieve pressure on the troops in Canada. In fact, little was accomplished. The destruction of Washington and the Battle for Baltimore more or less cancelled each other with respect to propaganda value.

The book has three appendices which detail chronology and orders of battle for the two armies. An extensive bibliography and index complete a thorough study of an interesting campaign. Recommended.

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