On Jan. 8, we celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, which ended the War of 1812 with the British. That war was not popular at the time, and has been treated negatively by American historians since, as a conflict that accomplished nothing and was a huge expense in money and men. I think that is an extremely shortsighted view, especially now, with the advantage of hindsight.
When the Revolutionary War ended, most realized that Britain had received a bloody nose but had not given up on “the colonies” as they still called them. As soon as they could get away from the problems in Europe they would be back. They had no respect for this country and abused us at every chance. President Madison finally had had enough, and convinced Congress to declare war.
The war produced many more defeats than victories for the young country, but there were two American victories that changed the course of history for the United States. The first was the Battle of Lake Erie. In that battle, the young American Navy decisively defeated the British, capturing their entire fleet, including the Commodore. This was the worst naval defeat that the British had ever received and remains so to this day.
The second defeat was at New Orleans. The British were soundly defeated by a rag tag army, hastily assembled and superbly led by Andrew Jackson. The British lost more than 1,700 troops and these were more than just regulars, they were the cream of their army, fresh from the Napoleonic defeat. Their dead included 75 officers, and the commanding general. This, compared to fewer than 100 Americans in total. It was a devastating defeat for the British.
Our historians have said that the Battle of New Orleans was meaningless, because unknown at the time, the armistice had been signed in Europe and nothing was changed as a result of the Battle. Again, this is very short sighted. Although the treaty said there would be no border changes, the British had previously claimed that the Louisiana Purchase was invalid, because the French did not own it. Had the city fallen, the British intended to keep it, control the Mississippi, and cut the United States off from the lands to the west. In fact, the commanding general’s wife had accompanied him, since he was to be the first governor of their new Louisiana colony.
Even if the aftermath of those two battles was lost on our historians, it was not lost on the British. Never again did they challenge us on land or sea, and as a direct result of the war, we were able to draw the northern line with British Canada just south of the Vancouver city limits.
So Happy New Year, and Happy Anniversary, America!
Dick Reithmiller is a retired civil engineer and avid history buff. He lives in Pagosa Springs.
