Lecture #3: Between Two Fires: America in the War of 1812
As a global war raged between Napoleonic France and Great Britain, the fledging United States found itself caught in the middle of the maelstrom. Insulted by both sides and forced to carefully tread its own path, American internal political interests clashed as well, eventually leading to a declaration of war against its former colonial overlord. Begun with towering confidence and far too much bravado, the War of 1812 quickly humbled the United States; a string of disastrous campaigns culminated with the burning of the capital in 1814. Examining these campaigns as well as the leaders on both sides of the Atlantic will place the war in its international context, why defeat did not engender disgrace, and how the United States emerged from the war more assured of its future than ever before.
All lectures take place at the Rob Morris Chapel, 207 W. Jefferson on the Oldham County History Center campus. $35 per person, includes dinner. Programs are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Limited seating.
