The War of 1812 has often been called the Second War of Independence, as only after this nearly three-year-long conflict did the United States become virtually free from British machinations and ploys for power in North America, as well as from British obstructions to trade on the high seas. The War of 1812 also served to establish the credibility of the U.S. Navy—and the necessity for military professionalism in the U.S. Army.
This work is the most comprehensive reference work on the War of 1812 yet published, offering a multidisciplinary treatment of course, causes, effects, and specific details of the War that provides both quick reference and in-depth analysis for readers from the high school level to scholars in the field.
The Encyclopedia of the War of 1812: A Political, Social, and Military History dedicates 872 entries—totaling some 600,000 words—to this important American war. It is the most comprehensive and significant reference work available on the subject. Its entries spotlight the key battles, standout individuals, essential weapons, and social, political, and economic developments, and examine the wider, concurrent European developments which directly affected this conflict in North America. A volume of primary documents provides more avenues for research.
This three-volume work offers comprehensive, in-depth information in a format that lends itself to quick and easy use, making it ideal for high school, college, and university-level learners as well as general learning annexes and military libraries. Scholars of the period and students of American military history will find it essential reading.
Features
• 872 entries provide an unmatched scope and breadth of coverage
• Over 150 primary-source documents in a separate volume, giving readers firsthand access to the way the War of 1812 unfolded and was experienced
• Extensive bibliography and glossary provide additional resources and clarification of terminology
Highlights
• Documents the major battles and dramatic naval engagements on the high seas and Great Lakes
• Includes detailed information about key weapons
• Provides comprehensive coverage of the Creek War, Native Americans, and Native American tribes
• Written by expert contributors, including many distinguished War of 1812 scholars
Spencer C. Tucker, PhD, has been senior fellow in military history at ABC-CLIO since 2003. He is the author or editor of 40 books and encyclopedias, many of which have won prestigious awards. Tucker's last academic position was holder of the John Biggs Chair in Military History at the Virginia Military Institute, Lexington. His recently published works include The Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War: A Political, Social, and Military History, Second Edition and Battles that Changed History: An Encyclopedia of World Conflict, both published by ABC-CLIO.
Reviews
"This highly recommended reference tool is appropriate for all libraries supporting undergraduate programs in American history."—ARBA
"This user-friendly, highly informative encyclopedia will be valuable to student researchers and to those with an interest in the subject, including readers who might need some background information for events concerning the war’s 200th anniversary."—Library Journal
"This is a handy and useful resource overall. Recommended."—Choice
"By far the most comprehensive single source of information about the (relatively) small-scale but significant War of 1812 to date."—School Library Journal
"Truly a remarkable resource. . . . Its expansive scope, solid scholarship, and uniqueness make it a much-welcomed addition to undergraduate collections."—Booklist
